April 27 - Reading 25: Psalms 78

“Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer.” (Psalm 78:35)

When we first read this verse, we rejoice! They remembered! But, upon closer examination, we may become discouraged as we consider it in its context. This verse begins with “The they remembered…” So what happened in the previous verse?  “When He slew them, then they sought Him” (Psalm 78:34). How sad that it took calamity to get their attention. But are we any different?

God has miraculously rescued each one of us as believers from the slavery of sin. Yet, how often do we forget? How often do we not trust His higher ways? Why do we want to reject His direction and commandments, and go our own way, thinking we know better?

God knows that we tend to so easily forget who He is and what He has done. That is why He instructs a constant re-telling of His works and His commands: “Teach them diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7) — in other words, ALL the time. What happens as recount His wonders and His instructions? We also remind ourselves of His power, His ways and His truth.

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God initiated the idea of “memorial stones.” He instructed that rocks be taken from the dry riverbed as a reminder of His miraculous provision so that “the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever” (Joshua 4:24). 

How can we create “memorial stones?” We can share stories of His faithfulness and answered prayers for our children, or re-read the many Bible stories of God’s miraculous provision.

As we spend time with the Lord today, let’s remind ourselves how He has miraculously delivered us. Let’s ask Him to show us ways we can create our own “memorial stones” to remind not only ourselves, but future generations to come, of His great faithfulness.