“I will remember your great deeds, Lord; I will recall the wonders you did in the past.” (Psalm 77:11 Good News Translation)
Tuesday, I went to an art gallery exhibition where the theme was centered around hope, Esperanza in Spanish. The walls were displayed with paintings by women who had overcome sexual assault and rape experiences. They were not color by number type paintings, but they were masterpieces, original work that ranged in price from $150 to $3,000. The value of the pictures was actually priceless, worth much more than the price being asked. If you looked at the various paintings long enough, they would communicate the artists’ experience of overcoming their encounters and regaining great hope. I’m sure the Lord had something to do with their triumph over what could have been a lasting tragedy.
Dr. Gloria King, yes my wife, she was the opening speaker for this event. She also took center position between the artists who came forward for the ribbon cutting. As she stood in the center of the artists, all survivors, standing firm, holding a giant pair of scissors, one of the artists, positioned a couple of feet away, recognized her and they could not hold back their joy in seeing one another. After the ribbon cutting, the artist, who had worked with Dr. King 20 years ago when she was Director of the Indianapolis Hispanic Center said, “I remember you and your work at the Center.” Dr. King said, “I remember you and how you helped out too!” Two decades had past, but they obviously had a past connection that was worth remembering.
What I described above made me think about how we need to focus on all that the Lord has done for us in the past, as opposed to letting bad memories dominate our conversations; current things we are battling against and those inner thoughts about our bad experiences. If you are going through something, do as the Psalmist did in the opening verse, remember, recall the great things, the wonders that God has done in your past. Focus on how He delivered you. Think about how He directed you to a better way. Ponder on His divine intervention in the circumstances of your life in the past. And even center your thoughts around the recent decisive blessings He bestowed on you in the not-too-distant past. Remember His great deeds! Recall the wonders He worked in the days past. My friend, if you do, you will have a better day. Your joy will rise! There will be an escalation of the truth that the Lord kept His promise that He would never leave you or forsake you. All that is worth remembering! Top off your positive journey to the past and recognize that the Lord is still blessing right now. Have a wonderful day! Be blessed!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 New International Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
It is worth remembering what the Lord has done in the past, what He does for me today, and what He will continue to do in spite of my failings. He is my Redeemer, my joy, my light, my happy place, and my Waymaker. I cannot tell it all, He has done great things for me.
What a wonderful response, full of testimonial statements and truth. Thank you! Be blessed!