A TIME TO REMEMBER GOD’S WORKS AND WONDERS OF OLD

Dear Members in Christ,

A time to remember God’s works and wonders of old

Once again, we come to the end of another calendar year. Very soon, 2024 will pass on and we shall be in the year 2025. As I think about the swift passage of time, we cannot help thinking about how good the Lord has been to us. This is probably the same thought which the psalmist expressed when he penned the words in psalm 77. In the psalmist’s reflection, he wrote,

And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” Psalm 77:10,11

The psalmist wrote in this psalm about his prayer and supplication to God for help and comfort. Some commentators point to perhaps some national calamity or even a personal struggle had caused the psalmist to call upon God. This psalm conveys the idea that constant reliance and prayer towards God is necessary in times of need. However, this psalm is not just about calamities and the troubles of the believer. One important message in this psalm is the comfort that a believer draws by remembering the faithfulness of God.

A. Remembering God’s works and wonders of old

The psalmist calls out to God in his need. In verse one of the psalm he says, “I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.” This is a believer’s heart cry to God, almost like a child looking to his father for help and comfort. But the great need for succor is fulfilled when the psalmist reflects and thinks to himself, “I will remember the works of the LORD”.

As we come to the end of 2024, whatever our situation may be, as God’s children we must remember the works of the Lord. In this year, some among us have undergone the trial of physical illness. Some struggle with pain management and minor ailments, others with more severe affliction, yet we all look to God in prayer for one another. We have others who have requested prayer seeking God’s help for provision or employment. A certain sister had a literal “trial by fire” when her family was displaced because the home was destroyed by flames.   

Whatever our trial may be, we must continue to trust in God. The psalmist urges the believer to “remember the works of the LORD”. By this statement, he is telling the listener that God who has been faithful to His people in the past (by His works) will continue to be faithful to His people. This is a practice of reflection and meditation, remembering times past when God has delivered His people.

“I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.” Psalm 77:6

Brothers and sisters, let us take stock in our own ways. As we approach the closing days of 2024, remember how God has been faithful to us. Or to be more specific, how God has delivered or comforted us in the past. The Lord is faithful always and can be counted upon to continue His gracious dealings with His people. However, we must remember to walk close to Him and worship and offer prayers of thanksgiving to Him as often as we remember.

B. Remembering and testifying about God’s goodness to us

The psalmist teaches us about his reflections of God’s past works of deliverance for His people. The psalmist does not stop there. He goes on to say, “I will talk of thy doings.” Remembrance is a sign of gratitude, and testifying and praising God for His deliverance is an expression of thanksgiving.

 “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” Psalm 77:12

The psalmist expresses his reflection, not just as a memory recall, but the word is “meditate”, this means thinking about and thinking over an event repeatedly. These events of deliverance have obviously left a deep impression which bears constant recollection upon the psalmist. The recollection is so strong and the sense of gratitude so overwhelming that the psalmist is ready to “talk of thy doings.” He is ready to declare God’s wondrous works.

Brothers and sisters, let us be ready to testify of God’s goodness. In a few weeks’ time, we shall be having our watchnight service. This is a time for thanksgiving and testimony of God’s goodness. Let us be prepared to talk of God’s works and wonders in our lives. Let us be ready to praise and thank God for His goodness towards us. May His name be glorified. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor