Psalm 105, 106
We read two longer psalms that flow together as a
pair, one the sequel of the other. Someone, perhaps David, wrote these songs to
remind the people of Israel of the great things God had done for them. “Give
thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can
list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise Him half enough?” (105:1).
For over 20 years, I have taught the subject of
history. While it is not everyone’s favorite subject, I have come to
recognize its place in society, its significance to the health of a nation.
If people look closely at their past, I mean seriously observe their
establishment, their growth, the timing of events, the bigger story line and
interwoven purposes, they will soon acknowledge and own a
providential perspective, for the hand of God directs the paths of men.
Those people will be humble and grateful; they will credit the correct source
of their strength and success.
However, when people neglect their history, gloss
over the details, and major only on man’s successes and accomplishments, they will soon own a secular perspective and credit themselves
for their growth and greatness. If people forget their past, then
they consequently forfeit their future. If they do not know where they have
come from, how, then, can they know where they are going or what they are to be
doing? Their purpose is tied to their past, particularly in how they view it.
The same phenomenon happened to the people of
Israel. The psalmist said, “Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the
Lord’s miracles. They soon forgot His many acts of kindness to them. Instead,
they rebelled against Him... How quickly they forgot what He had done. They
wouldn’t wait for His counsel.” Before long, “they traded their glorious God
for a statue of a grass-eating ox! They forgot God, their Savior, who had done
such great things...” (106:7, 13, 20, 21).
Daily Reflection
What has been your attitude regarding what God
has done in the history of your nation, in the Church, in your family, and in
your life?
What are some other reasons why it is good to
remind yourself what God has done in the past?
Forgetfulness is a weapon of your
spiritual enemy. He wants you to be ignorant of what has happened
in the past and, instead, focus only on yourself in the here and now. Why? What
could he possible gain by keeping you ignorant of history?
Don’t allow the enemy to sabotage your present by
stealing your past. Remember what God has done and remind yourself
often of His love, provision, protection, and grace. Ignorant people are enslaved to pride and purposelessness.
BiAY.org |Day 190 — 175 Days to Go
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