If you want to know the true character of a person there are a couple of places you can look to find this information. First, you can look at the deeds of their past. Secondly, you can look at how they treat their family and close friends over time. These two things will give you a good indication of who they are and what is valuable to them.
This is something I came across recently when I was seeking God about a need in my life. Instead of answering my question, He asked me a question. He inquired, “Do you remember when I did this? Do you remember when I did that? How about the time I came through when it seemed impossible?”
As I began to reflect on the wonderful things God had done in my life, and all the times He came through a seemingly impossible situation, I was no longer thinking about my need. Instead, I was dwelling on the faithfulness of God. No longer questioning, I began to rejoice at the consistency of God. Based on what God had done in my past, there was no reason to doubt my future in Him.
David knew this truth. We see it throughout the Psalms. Time and again, when David found himself in a tough spot, he always looked back and recounted all the time God had come through for him. He reminded himself of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. These keys kept David in a place of joyful hope and constant expectation.
Recounting the blessings of God. We see this throughout the Bible, not only in the life of David, but also in Isaiah.
I will recount the loving-kindnesses of the Lord and the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel, which He has granted them according to His mercy and according to the multitude of His loving-kindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7, Amp)
And in Deuteronomy.
And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. (Dt 8:2)
Remembering what God has done is vital to a life of joy and hope. The more I ponder on the things God has done for me in the past, the more my faith is ignited. Remembering His goodness. Dwelling on His faithfulness. Recounting His consistent and continual hand on my life was exactly what I needed that day. Just as David said, I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. (Ps 143:5)
Could this be the key to the discouragement and disappointment that is spreading across the Body of Christ? Perhaps so. There are many of us who are waiting on the manifestation of answered prayer – there is no doubt about it. However, instead of looking at what we have not yet seen – let’s rejoice and thank God for all we have seen. To God be all the glory for the things HE HAS DONE!
Your thoughts are always meaningful and appreciated.