Tuesday, November 25, 2008

When God "remembers".

Gen 8:1 "But God remembered Noah...."

This past week I have actually started back into studying my favorite guy, Moses, again. I don't know why I am so drawn to him, but I am. I find so many hidden truths in his journey that intrigue my soul like nothing else.

Frequently in my house, I will hear these words........."Remember when she hit me!" or "Remember you said......" or "Remember, It's MY TURN."

It's hard not to remember things when we have a constant reminder in our faces such as little girly's making their way in this big world!

Well, as I was reading one part this morning it said something to the sorts of "God remembered his covenant..." and I stopped for a moment and thought, "My God......He doesn't forget things...what is this all about?"

Looking to my foot-notes and to my commentary, I was lead to Genesis 8:1.

But first, I looked up the word remember on dictionary.com and this is what it gave me:

1.to recall to the mind by an act or effort of memory; think of again: I'll try to remember the exact date.


2.to retain in the memory; keep in mind; remain aware of: Remember your appointment with the dentist.


3.to have (something) come into the mind again: I just remembered that it's your birthday today.

4.to bear (a person) in mind as deserving a gift, reward, or fee: The company always remembers us at Christmas.

5.to give a tip, donation, or gift to: to remember the needy.


6.to mention (a person) to another as sending kindly greetings: Remember me to your family.


7.(of an appliance, computer, etc.) to perform (a programmed activity) at a later time or according to a preset schedule: The coffeepot remembers to start the coffee at 7 a.m. every day

These definitions is exactly how I would think of the word "remember".

But, God, who doesn't think, act or even "define" like us.......actually has a greater definition of this word. One that I want to impound in my soul forever!

My foot-notes in my bible gave this precious thought:

"To remember in the bible is not merely to recall to mind; it is to express concern for someone, to act with loving care for him,. When God remembers his people, he does so 'with favor'."

That is powerful!

That is not God just "giving us thought"!

We waste to much time "remembering" the bad. Remembering the past. Remembering those who have hurt us. Remembering our mistakes. Remembering our failures. Remembering the things that cannot be changed.

As I think about the way God remembers me, it's a sweet thought. Not only does God never forget........He never stops caring, He never stops being concerned for our "well-being".

We........are always on His mind.

So whether God is remembering us by telling us "no", "wait" or "yes"...we can hold onto the promises that God does not forget and not only does He NOT FORGET........"He remembers."

I desperately want to look at other's the same way. Not "remembering" who they've been or what they've done......but with love, concern and hope for God to find favor in their lives.

WOW, what would this world look like if we all started "remembering" people like this!!



13 comments:

The Patterson 5 said...

I love this post! May I meet the challenge and remember all with favor finding the best in others instead of dwelling on the negative! Thanks for the lift!

concerned parent said...

This was those revelation type posts. I tend to remember the wrong way most all the time I will start making an effort to "Remember" how God does I really love that.

"To remember in the bible is not merely to recall to mind; it is to express concern for someone, to act with loving care for him,. When God remembers his people, he does so 'with favor'."

Joyful said...

Nicki, this is a great post. Several years ago the Lord wrote the word "REMEMBER" across my heart. I actually purchased individual letters to spell the word out - they are quite large - and they sit on a shelf in my sitting room. (I'm a visual gal!) I also purchased a Willow Tree Figurine entitled, "Remember". I think it's important to remember too all the wonderful things the Lord has done for us. With Thanksgiving so close at hand for my friends South of the border, the holiday invites us to remember and be thankful.

Blessings to you - and Happy Thanksgiving!
Joy

Sharon Brumfield said...

Wow...what a powerful word!
I think I shall tuck this away for the next time I find that I am heading toward a melt down. ;)
Good word...precious.

On Purpose said...

These are truly some great encouraging and challenging thoughts. May I choose to be like Jesus and remember as He does!

Amy L Brooke said...

That was a great post. I love the definition of remembering.

I once read through the Bible in a year and started highlighting all the times God tells His people to remember or to not forget. Every time the people forget, something awful happens.

I like the idea of God remembering us with favor.

Mulchy Mama said...

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Rebecca Jo said...

Awesome revelation!! Its funny = I just did a post on my blog about Jesus telling us to "Remember him"...

Makes me think even more now after reading your post!

Faith said...

What a precious thought to think. Great post!

MiMi said...

"So whether God is remembering us by telling us "no", "wait" or "yes"...we can hold onto the promises that God does not forget and not only does He NOT FORGET........"He remembers."

LOVE THIS! Thank you for such precious thoughts.

Debbie Petras said...

I found your blog through Cindy at "Consider it all Joy" and am glad I stopped by to visit. I think I needed to read this post about when God remembers. I must hold onto His promises. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving.

Kay Martin said...

Recently something came up that hurt my feelings with someone close to me. I called a trusted friend for some insight. I told her I wanted to profit from it if I needed to change anything, but I wanted to forgive and FORGET this incident because I didn't want any resentment to form a barrier between me and this person whom I love. The friend reminded me of another incident similar to this with the same person over a year ago. I truly couldn't recall it until she gave the particulars. I laughed out loud!!! Hallelujah, I prayed to forgive and forget and God blessedm me with the answer to that prayer.

We talked it out...I got some wisdom. I forgave, I will forget...I know I will because I forgot the incident a year ago.

Remembering is important, but a heart willing to let go and forget is one of God's greatest gifts.

Happy Thanksgiving,Nicki, beautiful Woman of God.

Kay Martin said...

You've been tagged by Kay at Thrive Christians