I love it when God reveals Himself to me in new ways or does new things in my life. But sometimes, some of the sweetest moments I have with Him are when I reflect back on what He has already done or has already shown me. It’s like sitting on the back porch with my husband and going down memory lane. Remembering all the good times and even some of the bad – but even then seeing how good God has been and how He’s always brought me through to points of strength and growth. This remembering is simply what we know as praise to God and in return, it also has a way of strengthening me and preserving all the good God has done in and through me.
We can read so many similar praises throughout all the Psalms. Many where we know David was actually encouraging himself by praising God just for who He is and for what He had already done. Even amidst times of trial or need, praising God (or remembering) helps to keep our hearts focused on Him.
There is a scripture I recently came across that I thought painted a beautiful picture of this in Exodus 20:24:
Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered and I will come to you and bless you.
Those places in our lives where God has caused His name to be remembered – they are altars of praise to Him, and there’s something special that happens in our hearts when we revisit them. There’s blessing in remembering and doing so helps keep our hearts thankful.
Lastly, I should just add that the memories we give this special time to are the ones that point to God and magnify Him in our lives. Those are the ones from which we will draw strength, encouragement, joy and peace. That is the praise that brings God glory.
LGR
