What are you remembering this Memorial Day?
Are you remembering to take the potato salad to Aunt Lucy’s picnic?
Are you remembering the people who have fought for our freedom?
Are you remembering the person who took a huge piece of your heart when he or she died?
I’ve been living on the edge of uncertainty for several months now. My basketball coaching husband is waiting on God for his next assignment. We’re going to move out of our house in 11 days and are still deciding on a long-term destination.
There are times I’m tempted to give God a piece of my mind. I begin to tell Him, Don’t you know we’re scared? Don’t you know time is running out? Don’t you know we need guidance on these decisions?
Usually when I say these things, I’m greeted with silence. Not a peaceful sense of calm in my soul. Not a warm breeze blowing against my skin that says, “I am here.” Nope. Nothing. Like my cell phone has lost service, but I don’t know it so I keep on talking. To no one.
It’s easy to believe no one is listening when your prayers aren’t being answered. I imagine you’ve felt that way. I think we all have.
But just this morning I was repeating my same “God, don’t you know?…” mantra when I was led to Psalm 77. (If you’re not familiar with the Bible, keep reading, there’s something in here for you, too.)
By “led” to Psalm 77, I mean that was the daily verse today on my Bible app.
Here it is: “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” Psalm 77: 11-12 (NLT)
This was written by David, a man after God’s own heart. God adored David. He raised him up from a shepherd boy to a king. He was the one who killed the giant, Goliath, with a slingshot.
In the beginning of Psalm 77, we find David, unable to sleep, having an “oh woe is me” moment with God. Here are the questions he asks:
“Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed?” Psalm 77: 7-8
It sounds eerily similar to my “God, don’t you know” questions. I bet it sounds similar to some of your own thoughts.
As I sat looking at those words, I realized David brought all of his true feelings to God, but he didn’t park there. He moved through it and his entire outlook changed when he said, “But then I recall all you have done, Oh Lord;”
There’s the lesson. For those for own 42 Bibles and for those who have never picked one up in their lives.
Recall.
When things get hard, let’s vow to recall. Recall with gratitude all that Life has given us. All the times we made it through when we didn’t think we had the strength.
Yes, you deserve to take the time to grieve what has been lost or question if things will work out this time. God shows us that even David did that, again and again. But before we step away from that conversation, let’s take a moment to remember what has been found.
