When to remember
The Bible has a great deal to say about remembering. God knows how easily we can become distracted by today’s problems and forget what He has done for us in the past. That is why Scripture repeatedly tells us to remember.
We should remember God’s faithfulness, His Word, His blessings, and the people He has placed in our lives. Remembering what God has done strengthens our faith for what we are facing today. It also reminds us to pray for others, help those in need, and remain thankful.
Remember Others and Thank God for Them
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” (Phil. 1:3 ESV)
There are people God has placed in your life who have encouraged, helped, taught, prayed for, or stood beside you. Don’t forget them. Remember them with gratitude and thank God for them.
Remember Prisoners and Those Who Are Ill-Treated
“Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.” (Heb. 13:3)
It is easy to become so occupied with our own lives that we forget those who are suffering. God tells us to remember them, pray for them, and care about what they are going through.
Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth
“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them…’” (Eccles. 12:1 ESV)
Don’t wait until later in life to seek God. Remember Him now. Walk with Him through every season of your life.
Remember the Words of the Lord Jesus
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)
It isn’t enough simply to know what Jesus said. We must remember His words and put them into practice.
Remember Your Christian Leaders
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (Heb. 13:7)
Think about the faithful people God has used to teach and encourage you. Remember their example and imitate their faith.
Remember the Poor
“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.” (Gal. 2:10)
God does not want us to become so focused on ourselves that we overlook people in need. Remembering should lead to action whenever God gives us an opportunity to help.
Remember Jesus Through Communion
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19 ESV)
“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” (1 Cor. 11:25 ESV)
Of everything we are called to remember, nothing is more important than Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. Communion reminds us of His body given for us and His blood shed for us. We remember His sacrifice, His forgiveness, His grace, and the salvation we have received through Him.
Therefore
“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deut. 8:2 ESV)
Take some time to look back over your life. Remember the times God protected you, provided for you, answered your prayers, carried you through difficulties, opened doors, closed others, and faithfully directed your steps.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11 ESV)
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” (Psalm 143:5 ESV)
Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past will help you trust Him with your present and your future.
And when you need help remembering what God has taught you, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is there to help.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)
Remember what God has done. Remember what He has said. Remember the people He has placed in your life. And above all, remember Jesus.
Quotes
“Put your mind on the gospel. And remember—there’s one God for all.” — Mahalia Jackson
“Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all useless if we fail to put what we learn into practice.” — Rick Warren