April 12th

April 12th

How often do we reflect on what God has done in our lives? When we go through hard times, do we bother to look closely and consider how God’s hand is moving or do we just get upset that we have to face hard times, that God didn’t remove or prevent those times?

If we do not take time to consider and remember what God has done, we are missing out on part of the blessing, maybe even all of it if we really just get mad at God and push Him away.

The Lord moves in many ways in our lives, especially through hard circumstances. He may do something miraculous that is obvious, or He may just bring us peace in the midst of the storm, or He may use the situation to shape us into who He created us to be so we are ready for His future plan for us. There are so many ways that He moves that can be overlooked or not recognized if we don’t pay attention or make it a point to look for His hand.

Seeing His hand move in us or in our lives boosts our faith, gives us direction and confidence to step out in faith in our next trial, knowing that He is working. All of this is probably not news to you, but I ran across a verse the other day that really made me think about it a little more.

Psalm 103:1-2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

That last phrase struck me, -forget not all His benefits. When was the last time I took time to remember His benefits? Do I remember that often enough? Do I let my faith get boosted by remembering what He has done for me? Yes, remember the general things that He has done but also the specifics, like how He gets me through trials or teaches me, or strengthens me. The second part of that sentence is continued through the next 3 verses in that passage and it gives general examples of His benefits to us.

Psalm 103:3-5 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Reflecting on the specific things that God has done or is doing in our life is how we defeat the doubts of the enemy. Remember the verse in Revelation.

Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

This is talking about Christ followers defeating satan in their lives. By the blood of the Lamb of course, but also by the word of their testimony! That is -talking about what God has done for them! That is talking about what God has done for you!

When we remember and tell others about how God has moved in our lives, it boosts our faith and theirs. It gives us power over doubt. It reminds us that He loves us.

This week spend some time considering how the Lord has moved in you and tell someone about it!

Jesus, forgive me for not always remembering what you have done for me. Thank you for everything you have done, both big and small and help me to appreciate that. Help me to see your hand where I haven’t looked before. Send me someone that I can share these things with soon. Help me to know how to share. Thank you for your perfect love and perfect plan and help me to walk in that from this day forward, even when I don’t understand.