Remember God’s Word and Ways

When my brother and I were young, Mom would read to us aloud every morning. We were home-educated, and one of our family’s daily practices was morning devotions and making our way through a classic novel, curled up with blankets. 

At the time, I didn’t always appreciate this practice the way I do now. There were days when the three of us could barely keep our eyes open, listening to Old Testament passages and Hemmingway. But, looking back, I see this was a gift. One passage we memorized was Psalm 139. I can confidently say this psalm is part of the fabric of who I am now, just like The Yearling or The Old Man and the Sea. 

Mom knew it was important to carve out this intentional time to let God’s Word and other stories form us. Reading them aloud helped us remember them. Reciting the same Scripture verses familiarized them so that, one day, when we faced troubles, we would hopefully be able to recall the truth.

This practice planted Psalm 139 deep down into our bones. I will never forget it—nor the beautiful imagery it paints about God’s faithfulness in our lives. Had my mom only read Psalm 139 aloud to us once, it’s unlikely we would be able to recite the poem twenty years later. But repeating the words made all the difference. 

“These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart,” reads Deuteronomy 6:6–7. “Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Even when we know something to be true, it’s so easy to forget things sometimes (2Peter 1:12). God knew His people would need every opportunity to remember His Word, His ways, and His never-ending love, and so we see these calls for remembrance all throughout Scripture. 

What a blessing to have God’s Word as a reminder of His love! These stories of deliverance and faithfulness—both to the ancient Israelites and to us today—are now woven into the fabric of our lives. They’re part of our heritage. Believers for thousands of years have been reading them, reciting them, studying them, and wrestling through what it means to apply them to our lives. When we repeat God’s Word and remember His ways, our faith is strengthened. This practice keeps truth at the forefront of our minds. And, hopefully, as we walk with Jesus over time, these passages become lived, shared experiences with God.   

“I will remember the LORD’s works,” reads Psalm 77:11–12. “Yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.

I will reflect on all you have done.”

May it be so.