Remember and proclaim.
Throughout Scripture, we are instructed to recall the ways God has acted on our behalf, and to share those stories of triumph and truth with others, with the next generation of believers (Psalm 145:4). The Israelites’ exodus out of slavery from Egypt? Remember and proclaim (Psalm 105:1–5). The taking of the eucharist? An act of remembering Christ’s life, death, and resurrection—all on our behalf—and proclaiming the infinite gift and power in them for those who believe in the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
So it is in today’s reading of Psalm 145, “a hymn of praise,” attributed to King David, who determines to “exalt, “bless,” and “praise [God’s] name forever and ever” (vv.1–2). Not only will he declare God’s praises, but from one generation to the next, God’s works and acts, His character, power, and righteousness, will be declared (vv.3–5). But in order for that to happen, God’s “awe-inspiring acts” and faithful love must first be remembered.
There is power in saying something out loud, in speaking truth to ourselves and to one another. Researchers in the worlds of education and psychology call this “the production effect.” Studies have shown that memory is improved by literally speaking aloud what we’re reading, thinking, and studying. The actual retrieval and recall of both past and new experiences, and the relaying of them to someone else further works to etch our experiences and knowledge into our minds. In short, if you really want to remember something, tell someone else about it. It’s incredible to think that God would design us this way, to further draw us into community to speak truth to one another (Ephesians 5:19–20).
The Hebrew word for “remember” is zakar, and it encompasses more than simply “thinking” or knowledge—it implies action. And in Hebrew tradition, practicing faith in present circumstances and exhibiting hope for the future requires that you remember God’s faithfulness in the past. What better way to remind ourselves of God’s power and steadfast love than to share our experiences with God with someone else? In looking back at God’s “great goodness and righteousness” in our own lives and in the lives of those we read about in Scripture, we are reminded that He provides what we need “at the proper time” and “[satisfies] the desire of every living thing” (vv.15–16).
Verse 20 tells us when we call out to God, He is near. However, His nearness is in no way dependent upon our crying out to Him. No, He is always near, always present. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8). He does not need an invitation to come to us, but in our calling out to Him, we remember that He is, in fact, a very real and present help (Psalm 46:1). Our mighty, compassionate God is delighted to be in our midst now and always (Zephaniah 3:17; Matthew 28:20). Sometimes we forget this truth, and sometimes we struggle to believe it’s true. Either way, God does not change.
KELLY (NEO)- I echo your words. How many times does He come through and I keep it to myself that HE is the reason for the good that has happened. WAY too often I’ll recount something and use phrases like “I was just so lucky that…”, “it’s a good thing I happened to find…”, “then just out of nowhere..”, etc. Who knows – the reason He acted in the way He did could be for the whole purpose of that person hearing what He did in order to grow THEIR faith?! Can’t keep it to myself…
THERESA- I love that. You are so right!
SARAH D- hope your 2nd school visit is going great!!
Thanks for your encouragement, ladies, about my choice to drop the 2 classes. I absolutely hear you and see what you see, it still is just tough. It pushes classes back, my ability to start my internship, etc. AND I know it’s not a big deal, it’s just going to take some time to adjust my thoughts and plans. Happy weekend!!! Celebrating a very close friend’s wedding (outdoors!) tomorrow so praying it doesn’t rain! :)
In a course where we studied the Psalms, the professor said a couple of things that helped me a lot – 1. that “we bless God when we recount to Him the good He’s done for us”… similar to gratitude, but with more focus on just stating back to Him the nature of His character and ways we experience it. It’s basically v.7 – “They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.” That was helpful to me because the idea of how sinful ME could ever BLESS. GOD. was a mystery… But I can bless him everyday by focusing on/intentionally telling Him I see who it is He is in and around me. 2. He said when you struggle with reading the Psalms talk often about God lifting the righteous and putting down the “wicked” – you can’t define those words on the actions of the person because in that case God would have to call even king David wicked. Rather – “wicked defines a person who does not recognize God as the One True God”. Therefore we can witness people who do really good things, but are “wicked”, and people who believe God is God, but do really awful things are still “righteous”. It just put perspective for me I really appreciate :)
Happy birthday Sarah D & Susan!!! :)
Remember and Proclaim!! yes. yes! How quickly we forget all of those answered prayers and what God has done in our lives! (can we say- stiff-necked Israelites!) It seems with age we become more aware of our blessing by looking back over our lives, but we have to do that! I was very shallow in my young life, it was all about “being” happy, and if I wasn’t, move on to something that brought that feeling back! In other words, it was all about the flesh! And we know how that ends…chasing after fulfillment that can never come except from God himself, the I Am. I am getting ready to lead a study called “Starved” by Amy Seifert, and it speaks to this type of running on things that fill us from phone, success, and material things and our image and so on. Yet we are left starved. I think it will be so wonderful! BUT…why I chose to LEAD when I get so nervous to lead!! lol! But God! He keeps nudging me to do the uncomfortable FOR HIM!! So please if you could pray for my group! My pain group will also start anew in the same week, we have taken a little break! I hope we will get some new people that need healing and comfort, and will receive some hope from that group!! (that one, I am a co-leader and don’t really do anything! lol) I love small groups because it is a time to dig a little deeper into God’s word, discuss, analyze, and grow together! We had a day off from Prison ministry this week as well, and I miss my ladies so much from 1 week away!! They hunger for the Lord! I step out of my comfort and pray (outloud!!) for them!! So GOD is so good, working in my life!! I love Him so much!! It’s HIM changing my life to use it for him! He loves his children and it is so amazing that he is ALWAYS there whether we feel it or not! I have really been trying to LISTEN to his guidance the last couple of years!
@Susan–Happy Happy Belated Birthday! I hope your DIL and grandkids are doing okay after their loss, and of course you as well.
@Sharrie– So glad you introduced yourself and are here with us!! I love when new people introduce themselves! I didn’t like to comment in the beginning…but realized there would be nothing to read if people didn’t! lol (Plus they can skip my name if they want!!) But it is a unique and special connection on here that is different from an in-person group! This is such a praying group of precious She’s!! Being in the word together is a privilege, and then to share our personal requests, fears, and hopes is beyond gratifying! :)
Heidi- Don’t be so hard on yourself!! You can’t be superwoman!! Although YOU ARE a SUPER woman!! Just going back to school with three young kids is a huge thing…actually 3 young kids would throw me over the edge!! And to plan a trip overseas…you are going to have a thrilling time! I think dropping the two classes was a very smart step for your over all health!
@Searching…so funny the day you said you liked the instrumental of Shout to the Lord, it played and I turned my head so quick…and couldn’t believe it was on the radio at that exact time!! God moment!!
I am on the 5th book of “Chronicles of the Kings” by Lynn Austin! If you like to read and want the time of Hezekiah to come alive, grab this series, it is so good!
Have a great day!
Sarah D, happy belated birthday! We share our birthday, though I’m years older than you! Hope you enjoyed your day.
Oh fellow She’s God’s goodness has been faithful and unbelievable in my life. Even this week, I recounted to someone how he saved my mother’s life two years ago. Just Wednesday this week Hid goodness was evident. I began to feel very unwell at work, my colleague who planned to leave 15 minutes earlier was available to be with me and take me to see a doctor. What an amazing God. Thankfully, my dizziness was from a sinus ear infection that is much on the mend, but has forced me to slow down, not something I’m good at doing. May we continue to share God’s goodness!
Happy belated birthday Sarah D
Thank you Lord for ALWAYS being near, ALWAYS present. May eyes be open to see, my ears open to hear and my heart open to respond. Have a wonderful weekend sisters. Prayers for blessings and concerns.
“He is near. However, His nearness is in no way dependent upon our crying out to Him. No, He is always near, always present. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8). He does not need an invitation to come to us, but in our calling out to Him, we remember that He is, in fact, a very real and present help (Psalm 46:1).”
This quote reflects what I was planning to share today about my big aha moment in studying omnipresence: He isn’t everywhere because He needs to manage or bless; it is just part of WHO HE IS. One writer referred to God’s answer to Moses when He said, “I AM WHO I AM,” which can be translated as “I AM WHAT I AM.” That fits so well with what we are reading! Have a blessed weekend, Shes! Continued prayers!