WEEK THREE: IN REMEMBRANCE

As we are preparing to enter the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas (two holidays that are steeped in tradition), often we begin to get nostalgic. Songs that we listen to only at this time of year bring back memories of days gone by, being with family, eating that one special meal, and enjoying the traditions of that holiday. Maybe we find ourselves wishing for a simpler time in our lives, or remembering a particular holiday that holds a special meaning for us. We can find ourselves wishing for the good old days! However, for some, this time of year doesn’t elicit warm and fuzzy memories. For some, the good old days weren’t so good, and they struggle through the holiday season.

The psalmist in Psalm 77 finds himself struggling. He is feeling like God isn’t listening to him, and he expresses his doubts and struggles as he writes this psalm. But then he makes a shift in the middle of his writing. He begins to recount and remember God’s power, provisions, and leading as the Israelites came out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

Every one of us will have moments of doubt. We may question God when things aren’t going well. We may worry about a situation that a family member or a friend is facing. We may even think that God has somehow turned away from us or forgotten about us. So in those moments, what do we do? How do we respond in moments of doubt?

Well, probably the best remedy for doubt is to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Cry out to God! Let him know what you are struggling with. Then reflect on what God has done in that past to strengthen your faith. Finally, trust his unchanging character. The Bible tells us that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If that is the case, then if we trusted him before we can trust him again. He hasn’t forgotten us. He hasn’t turned his back on us.

Life happens! But when we remember God’s past faithfulness to us, we can trust his faithfulness for our future…and that always brings hope.