Psalm 107:43
Psalm 107 is a litany of those who lost their way in the midst of the busyness of their lives. In every case they “forgot” God. They failed to keep their “true north” in view. Life became unmanageable, unreal, or meaningless. And then, when they “remembered” God, they were restored. They were found again. They knew who they were and to whom they belonged.
For many believers, this is a common scenario. When we first come to faith (often in the challenge of trials), God becomes very important to us. He is the center of our lives. We are thankful for his deliverance and are conscious of his daily provision. But then, little by little, we get caught up in our hopes, our careers, our relationships, our self-centeredness, our distractions, our anxieties and our sins. This is when we “forget” God.
Psalm 107 provides perspective and an antidote to help us recognize our “God forgetfulness.” It teaches us how to step back and consider where we are, where we’re headed, and how to reconnect with our Maker and Redeemer. Verse 43 counsels us to stop and get reintroduced to the steadfast love of the Lord. Those who are wise consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
How does this work in my life? My propensity to “forget” God is usually around the pull of earthly comforts, personal pleasure, self focus, disdain of others, fear of insignificance, skepticism, materialism… You know the list. It can go on and on.
The real question is how do I fight this “forgetfulness”? First, I need to intentionally remember God by calling to mind his faithfulness and appreciating him. What has he done for me and others? How has he brought me to where I am? What gifts do I enjoy simply because of his good pleasure? How can I be thankful instead of simply taking these gifts for granted? What can I do so that his ways inform my ways; his vision transforms my vision; his righteousness reforms my righteousness?
Second, if I am going to move out of my “forgetfulness”, I need clearly gospel-centered passages to help me redirect my thinking. It’s when I actively use Scripture to push the truth of gospel belief and behavior into my consciousness that I experience change. Hebrews 12:1-3 is such a passage. I try to meditate on it phrase by phrase, often using several translations:
“...since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…”(ESV)
“...since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…”(NLT)
Who makes up this “cloud” – or “crowd” – that is to influence me? Hebrews 11 begins by naming Abel who trusted God. In contrast, his brother Cain charted his own course of behavior. Behind Abel’s God-ward behavior was a belief in God, his grace and promises, which shaped his response to God. But Cain “refused” (NLT) to do what was right because he did not trust that God’s grace and promises were better (Gen 4:7). He failed to bring his whole self to God. Instead, his offering was either perfunctory, greedy, or may be intentionally disobedient. But unlike Cain, Abel made room for God’s abundant grace in his heart.
Third, I take these simple observations about Abel and Cain and begin praying them into my life. Father, what is it about your steadfast love that moved Abel and the other ancients toward you and your grace? For me it is the person and work of Jesus - my redeemer, shepherd, friend, advocate, and lord. He is “the steadfast love of the Lord”. He gave his life for me, and now I am part of your cosmic renewal. Thank you for him. Remake me, forgive me, restore me, and equip me by the power of your Spirit. I want to worship you by living in the grace of Christ and yielding my gifts to bless those around me. Help me simplify my priorities so that you and your ways are at the center. Lord, be glorified in me this day. Amen