The Trumpet Sounds: ‘Take time to remember’

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Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvelous works that He hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of His mouth … He hath remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations. Psalms 105:4, 5 and 8

Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who have fallen in our nation’s wars. Sadly, the day will pass and most of us will be so caught up in picnics, family gatherings or outdoor projects that we won’t even give much thought to the real meaning of the day. That’s too bad, because remembering does many things. It brings me back to the reality of what actually happened. It also encourages me to see the dedication of those who fought and died. Remembering stirs within me a sense of gratitude and appreciation, and it strengthens my resolve to do my part in serving God, country and others.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are instructed to stop and recall what He did for them. Psalm 105 is a song of remembrance of God’s goodness to His beloved ones. It traces His direction, provision and protection through their history and the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. As believers in the 21st century, we can look back over a much longer history and see how God’s plan has and is unfolding, and observe His incredible goodness to us.

Psalm 105:1-5 shows the natural progression of what happens when I pause to remember—I give thanks to Him and continue calling on Him. I sing of Him and talk with fellow believers of all He has done. Then I must go tell others of His greatness. When I stop to trace the work of God’s hand in my life and in the world around me, these things just come naturally.

But the key to being able to rejoice in the past is not found in counting the number of good things that have happened, but in remembering that God remembers! I can rejoice because He never forgets His plan and He never forsakes His promises. Even when life is tough and things don’t seem to make sense to me, I can rest assured that He is in control and He is working out His plan. He has my best interest at heart. Knowing this encourages and strengthens me, and pushes me to do my best to live for Him.

A song that was popular when I was younger went something like this:

“When I remember the cross that He bore,

When I remember the thorns that He wore,

My heart cries out, ‘Oh Christ divine, I’m thine forever!’

When I remember what He did for me.”

I encourage you at this Memorial season to take time to remember those who have given their lives so that you and I can be free. This Sunday at South Side, we will honor those who have given their lives and have served us so faithfully. We will also take time to remember Jesus who gave his life so that we can be free for eternity. Worship begins at 10:45 and we would love to see you there!

In Christ,

Barry Pettit

Sr. Minister

South Side Church of Christ

www.southsidewch.com

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By Barry Pettit

Religion Columnist

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