It’s Time to Pause and Remember

As we sat in our living room catching up on the latest news, I couldn’t help but blurt out, “Steve, I think our news team looks weary.” His reply, “You noticed it too?” They were doing the hard work of smiling and playing to the camera, but their eyes told a different story.

Steve and I watched them bravely push through their concerns and fears to share the day’s hard news. And while we continued observing the news, my thoughts drifted to you, dear reader.  I wondered how you were holding up. Are you battle-weary or marching to the rhythm of His promises? Does your mind race through the night, or are you resting in His all-sufficiency? Are you giving into the current storm or leaning into the everlasting Savior?

If you answered yes to any or all the above, we can both take comfort in identifying with David, a “man after God’s own heart.” Throughout the Psalms, we see David wrestle between faith and fear. In Psalm 77, his words are a shadow of my own heart. He felt overwhelmed with despair. He was crying to God, waiting, and asking, “God, where are you?”

Then he would do something that became a game-changer. He would pause in His presence after he got real with God, sharing all his grievances. Something happened in that pause that shifted David’s heart and mind from self-reflection to a God-sighting.

He remembered who God was.

Yet I could never forget all your miracles, my God,
as I remember all your wonders of old. I ponder all you’ve done, Lord, musing on all your miracles. It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary,
where I learn more of your ways.
For holiness is revealed in everything you do.
Lord, you’re the one and only, the great and glorious God!

–Psalm 77:11-14

I wonder if David remembered how God delivered the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. Maybe he recounted how God stood in the furnace, protecting Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego from a fiery death. Or perhaps he recalled God’s victory over Goliath through the simple faith of a young shepherd boy and a handful of stones.

Whatever stories his mind replayed gave him the courage to move from fear to faith. But it didn’t stop at remembering who God was. It impacted his belief about himself.

By your glory bursts, you’ve rescued us over and over.
Just ask the sons of Jacob or
the sons of Joseph, and they will tell you!
And all of us, your beloved ones, know that it’s true!

–Psalm 77:15

Each miraculous work of God serves as a reminder of the greatness of God and the lengths He will go to redeem those He loves. We are His beloved ones.

So, if you are feeling worn out, anxious, or overwhelmed due to your current circumstances, it is time to pause in His presence. Pour out your heart to Him, then let Him pour His love into you by reminding you who He is and who you are in Him.

He is the God who sits with us in the fire.

He is the God who brings down giants with a stone.

He is the God who parts the waters and leads us from bondage to freedom.

He is the God who bore our sins on the cross to restore and redeem us.

He is God. Pause and remember.

Until next time, let’s find hope in the journey,
Evelyn