When Paul had greeted them, he began to explain in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all ardent observers of the law. – Acts 21:19-20

Paul traveled a lot, and one of his journeys took him to Jerusalem where he spent some time with James. While he hung out with James and the elders, Paul testified about all the things God had done through his ministry to the Gentiles. I’m sure he shared about the salvation he saw happening, as well as the protection and provision he received from the Lord as he traveled and ministered to various people. Remember, his journeys were not always safe (2 Corinthians 11:25-27).   

This idea, to remember what the Lord has done, is something the people of God were called to do from the beginning.  

The Call to Remember

The Lord told the Israelites, back when they were wandering in the desert after being rescued from Egypt, to be careful to remember all the Lord had done for them. They were about to enter the promised land. God knew it would be easy to forget the God who delivered them out of slavery, who preserved them in the wilderness, and who brought them into the promised land. 

Be careful not to forget the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, that place of slavery. – Deuteronomy 6:12 

In Psalm 77:11, David talked about remembering “the works of the Lord.” In Luke 22, Jesus implemented the Lord’s Supper, showing His disciples that he wanted his death to be remembered in a certain way. Jesus said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

Why Remembering is Important

It is important to learn to regularly remember what the Lord has done for us and His people. We are forgetful. And when we forget, we begin to complain. We begin to look at our life and feel that God is not being fair, or He is not hearing our prayers. This often leads to pity parties or anger toward God.

Forgetting the wonderful works of God in our lives can make us feel entitled, like we deserve His grace and mercy when, in fact, we deserve nothing. All is grace. 

Forgetfulness can cause us to become jealous of God’s work in the lives of our sisters when we should be rejoicing with them. 

In remembering God’s works in Scripture and our lives, we are strengthened in our faith. A strengthened faith results in praise that comes more easily and prayers that flow more readily. Ultimately, we are better equipped to strengthen the faith of others and glorify God in our remembering. 

A great way to remember what God has done in your life is to keep a journal. From time to time, write down all the ways the Lord has been at work in your heart, your life, and your family’s life. Now and then read over them, reminding yourself that God does not forget His children, and you have much to praise Him for.

Looking to Jesus,

Jen Thorn

Jen Thorn grew up in Germany and then spent her teenage years in Africa, where her parents were missionaries. She moved to the United States for college and attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where she met her husband. They have been married for twenty-two years and have four children. Jen lives in the suburbs of Chicago, where her husband is the pastor of Redeemer Fellowship. Jen is passionate about theology and the connection to daily living.