Remember

The Bible speaks often about forgetfulness, but not in the way we commonly think of it. Forgetfulness in Scripture is not simply neglecting to return a phone call or failing to pay a bill. Rather, it is a spiritual problem—one that overcomes not just individuals but, at times, the entire church. Forgetfulness is a condition of the heart, a turning away from the Lord, and the Scriptures repeatedly warn against it.

Judges 3:7: "And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God..." Psalm 78:10-11 says, "They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them." Deuteronomy 8:11 cautions, "Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments..." Forgetfulness is a failure--not merely of memory--but of Christ-centered love, devotion, and obedience.

Have you forgotten?

Have you found that your heart has wandered from Christ, your first love? Do you value the Scriptures and the gathering of God’s people as much as you once did? Is worship about the glory of Christ, or has it become something that serves your own interests? The Scriptures calls you to examine your heart and ask whether you have forgotten the Lord—not in terms of knowledge but in devotion.

Psalm 119:49-56 provides a meditation on remembrance as a spiritual discipline. The psalmist calls upon God to "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope" (v. 49). He speaks of the comfort found in God’s promises, the indignation toward those who forsake God’s law, and the joy of keeping God’s precepts. How ought you to remember?

Remember the Promises

David begins by calling upon God to remember His promises: "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life" (vv. 49-50). Remembrance is not a passive recollection, but an active discipline of clinging to God’s promises. It is not mere nostalgia; it is an assurance that God is faithful and will fulfill His word.

Throughout Scripture, we see God’s faithfulness in remembering His promises. In Genesis 8:1 God says, "God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark." In Exodus 2:24, "God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob." Psalm 98:3 declares, "He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel."

What promises of God give you hope? Is it the assurance that Christ came to save sinners like you? Is it the promise that He will never leave nor forsake you? In times of affliction, we must plead these promises, knowing that God always keeps His word. Like David, we can boldly say, "Lord, remember your word, for you have made me hope."

Remember the Judgments

The psalmist moves from promises to judgments: "I remember your rules from of old, O Lord, and find comfort in them" (v. 52). God’s judgments, His mighty acts of justice and deliverance, serve as reminders of His righteousness and power.

Throughout biblical history, God’s judgments have brought comfort to His people. Psalm 105 recounts the plagues in Egypt, showing how God judged Pharaoh but delivered Israel. These same events that terrified Egypt brought comfort to God’s people, reminding them that He is both just and merciful.

Do you find comfort in God’s judgments? For many, the idea of divine judgment is unsettling, but for the oppressed, the persecuted, and those suffering for righteousness' sake, God’s judgments provide assurance that evil will not prevail. The Psalter is filled with prayers for God’s justice, a theme often overlooked in the modern church. Yet, for believers around the world– and much of Christian history– these psalms are a reminder that God will rule righteously.

David’s response to remembering God’s judgments is indignation toward the wicked and joy in God’s righteousness. He declares, "Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law" (v. 53). But he also says, "Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning" (v. 54). When we see God’s judgments, our response should be both a holy reverence and a mouth filled with the Psalter's praise.

Remember the Name

Finally, David says, "I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law" (v. 55). The name of God is not merely a title—it reveals His character, power, and faithfulness. To remember God’s name is to recall who He is: El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who heals), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is peace).

When Jacob wrestled with God, he asked, "Tell me your name" (Genesis 32:29). When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he asked, "What is your name?" (Exodus 3:13). God’s response, "I AM WHO I AM," reveals His name--He is Jehovah; the LORD.

Remembering God’s name call us to meditation on His attributes and trusting in His power. It is in times of darkness, in the "night" of suffering or uncertainty, that we must cling to His name. David declares, "This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts" (v. 56). When we remember who God is, obedience becomes a delight rather than a burden.

Examine your heart for spiritual forgetfulness--a forgetfulness creeps in slowly. Have you lost your zeal for Christ? Has worship become routine? Have you neglected the study of the Scriptures? Ask the Lord to reveal where forgetfulness has taken hold, and be renewed. The Scriptures repeatedly call you to remember because spiritual forgetfulness is one of your greatest dangers. David’s call is to remember the promises, remember the judgments, and remember the name. In doing so, we will be revived and strengthened in Christ.