Looking Back to Move Ahead

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. . . . He is the LORD our God. . . . — Psalm 105:5-7 We are people who forget. We need reminders, and we need to know that remembering can help us face the future.Psalm 105 recites much of the Bible history we have covered so far this month. This psalm is designed to help God’s people recount the past so that they will remember all that God has done for them.Psalm 105 begins and ends with a call to praise. What is recounted is not just history but an opportunity to thank the living and faithful God for all he has done. God is always to be praised.Tied to this is an opportunity to make the name of the Lord known among the nations (verse 1). This recalls the initial call and promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).How can we make the name of God known among the nations? The closing of this psalm calls us to “keep his precepts and observe his laws.” We make God’s name known by living in line with God’s ways and forsaking our own selfish ways.When we remember the stories of the faithful God and his wayward people, we are encouraged and challenged that the Lord always keeps his promises and will continue to do so for us.That is who the Lord is! Dear God, thank you for your faithful care for all the generations of your people. Help us to remember all you have done so that we may live by faith before you and make you known to the nations. In Jesus, Amen.