The Blessing of Remembrance

Earlier this year in April, I decided to revisit the place where we first began our ministry. The venue was a small community hall at Karen Shopping Center. We were about ten people, both children and adults, gathering every Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to 5 pm. At the time, we borrowed almost everything we used. There was no sound system—just our voices lifted to the Lord. Yet, I do not remember ever complaining about the challenges. Instead, I was always rejoicing, because I knew I was walking in the will of God.

As Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”

The joy of the Lord is our strength. We do not rejoice because of how things look around us, but because of who God is.

When I visited that old location, I noticed the place had changed, and someone else was now using that same hall for ministry. I realized how important it is not to forget where you came from and those who stood with you during your most vulnerable times.

Importance of Remembrance

1. Remembrance cultivates a heart of gratitude.
Not forgetting where you have come from fills your heart with thanksgiving, and thanksgiving attracts God’s continuous promotion. Psalm 103:1–2 (NKJV) says: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.”

We live in a generation where gratitude is fading, often replaced by entitlement. Yet scripture warns us of these perilous times: “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2 NKJV). Gratitude is an antidote to this spirit.

2. Remembrance guards your heart against the snare of pride.
Pride has brought down kings and nations. Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) says: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride is not just external—it is a condition of the heart. Even those who appear humble can struggle with pride. That is why remembrance keeps us grounded, humble, and dependent on God. James 4:6 (NKJV) reminds us: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Visiting the places where God first lifted you reminds you of His grace and mercy. Never forget that it was the Lord who healed you, prospered you, gave you a family, opened doors of opportunity, and sustained your life.

The Scriptures give us clear instructions on what we should remember:

• Remember the Sabbath
  Exodus 20:8 – “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
• Remember the Lord’s Works and Covenant
  Deuteronomy 8:18 – “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
  Psalm 77:11 – “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”
• Remember His Word and Commandments
  Malachi 4:4 – “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.”
• Remember Jesus Christ
  2 Timothy 2:8 – “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel.”
• Remember Lot’s Wife
  Luke 17:32 – “Remember Lot’s wife.”
• Remember the Poor
  Galatians 2:10 – “They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.”
• Remember Prisoners and the Suffering
  Hebrews 13:3 – “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”
• Remember Leaders and Their Faith
  Hebrews 13:7 – “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”

Yet, there is one instance where God tells us to forget: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…” (Isaiah 43:18–19 NKJV). This means that while we must hold on to gratitude and humility from the past, we should not dwell on old pain or limitations when God is birthing something new.

Beloved, may you never forget where God has brought you from, the people who walked with you, and the many benefits He has poured upon your life. Choose to cultivate gratitude daily, guard your heart from pride, and remember all that the Lord has done for you. Truly, there is a blessing in remembrance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of remembrance. Help me never to forget Your goodness, Your mercy, and the people You have used in my journey. Keep my heart humble, filled with gratitude, and guarded from pride. Teach me to remember Your Word, Your works, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And as I look back with thanksgiving, help me also to embrace the new things You are doing in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Pastor EM