Remembering God

“Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the L ORD, and served the Baals; and they forsook the L ORD God of their fathers” (Judg 2:11-12). ◦ The Hebrews are often admonished to remember the Lord. ◦ We want to think about those admonitions.

We Need To Remember God When We Are Opposed

The Jews faced opposition in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Neh 4). ◦ “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish--stones that are burned?” (v 2). ◦ Israel’s enemies plan a fight.  “They will neither know nor see anything, till we come into their midst and kill them and cause the work to cease” (v 11).  The Israelites are frightened: “From whatever place you turn, they will be upon us” (v 12).

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (v 14). Nothing came of the threats. ◦ “And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work” (v 15).

When we are persecuted, we need to remember God. ◦ Remember that Jesus faced much persecution (1 Pet 2:23). ◦ Remember that Jesus has made great promises to those who endure persecution (Rev 2:10).

We Need To Remember God In Our Early Life

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Eccl 12:1).

Eccl 12:1-7: ◦ Sight begins to fade (v 2). ◦ People don’t stand as tall as they once did (v 3). ◦ Teeth fall out (v 3). ◦ Hearing fades (v 4). ◦ We’re going to die (v 7). Youth can do so much if they remember God!

We Need To Remember God In Trouble

“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the L ORD ; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7). God has made great promises to those who are struggling. ◦ “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). ◦ “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Heb 13:5-6).

We Need To Remember God In Time Of Prosperity

“You say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the L ORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deut 8:17-18). People often forget God in times of prosperity. ◦ Lk 12: ◦ “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim 6:17).

We cannot forget that prosperity comes from God, not ourselves. ◦ “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt 5:45).

We Need To Remember God In Time Of Temptation

Deut 24:8-9. ◦ “Miriam became leprous, as white as snow” (Num 12:10). ◦ When we are tempted, we need to remember God!

Do you need to begin remembering God?