Remember: God’s Past Goodness, Our Present Strength.

One of the most tragic conditions of the human heart is forgetfulness, especially when it comes to God’s acts of mercy, deliverance, and provision. 

Psalms 76 to 78 paint a vivid portrait of a God who consistently intervenes in the lives of His people, only to be forgotten when challenges arise again. In these psalms, Asaph laments over Israel’s repeated cycle of forgetfulness, ingratitude, rebellion, and suffering of divine chastening, followed again by mercy.

The takeaway is simple but profound: those who remember God’s past faithfulness develop strength to face present trials and cultivate hope for future victories. Gratitude becomes not just a response but a weapon—a spiritual key that unlocks mercy from God’s

Psalm 76:5-6 celebrates God’s defence of His people:

“The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands. At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.” (KJV)

God had overthrown powerful enemies—not with human strength, but by His sovereign might. He was to be feared and revered. Yet despite such glorious victories, Israel often forgot.

Psalm 77:8 shows Asaph in distress, questioning God’s silence: “Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore?” (KJV)

But something shifts dramatically in verse 11:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (NIV)

This decision to recall God’s past works brings peace and confidence. 

Psalm 78 continues this line by recounting Israel’s history: the plagues in Egypt, manna from heaven, water from rocks, victories in Canaan, and how quickly the people forgot all the wonderful things the LORD had done for them. They saw signs and wonders but did not let the memory shape their trust.

The hymn titled “Begone, Unbelief”, authored by John Newton in 1779, contains the line, “Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review.” The term “Ebenezer” originates from 1 Samuel 7:12, where the prophet Samuel sets up a stone to commemorate God’s assistance to Israel and a memorial, naming it “Ebenezer”, meaning “stone of help”. By this, Newton reflects on past instances of God’s faithfulness, referring to them as “sweet Ebenezers”, which serve as reminders of divine help and encourage trust in God’s continued support.

1. Memory shapes expectation.

When we reflect on what God has done, it boosts our faith in expectation of what His power can do again, irrespective of the magnitude of our challenges.

2. Gratitude invites more.

Ingrates repel favours. However, thanksgivings, especially in tough times, turn the heart of God in our favour. Brother Job decided, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him” (Job 13:15, KJV). Also, Apostle Paul advises, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess. 5:18)

3. Remembrance helps avoid sin.

Forgetting the goodness of people or systems to us can weaken our minds from reciprocating their kind gestures, thereby deceiving us into sin. Israel’s forgetfulness led them to idolatry and rebellion. Remembering keeps us anchored in truth and covenant loyalty.

Let’s examine three men and women in Scripture who modelled this principle and saw breakthroughs because of it:

DAVID

David expressed gratitude as a launchpad for his victory over Goliath of Gaza (1 Samuel 17:33-37). When David faced Goliath, he wasn’t naive or reckless. His boldness was rooted in memory:

“The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” 

(1 Samuel 17:37, KJV)

David remembered, and he testified. His past victories were not merely personal achievements; rather, they were divine interventions that he experienced and acknowledged throughout various seasons of his life. That remembrance strengthened his resolve and silenced Saul’s and others’ doubts.

Takeaway: When giants like debt, delay, stagnation, disease, or disappointment rise before us, we must dig into our history with God to locate arsenals against fear, hopelessness, and the captivity of worry. What lions and bears has He slain for you before? Hinge your faith on these victories and move forward!

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:” (Exodus 14:15, KJV)

HANNAH

Barren, mocked, and misunderstood, Hannah turned her tears into prayer. But notice that before she even conceived, she walked away “no longer sad” (1 Sam. 1:18). Why? She anchored her trust by remembering God’s mercy throughout the ages.

And when God granted her a child, she didn’t forget to give thanks. Her song in 1 Samuel 2 is a masterclass in gratitude. She praised God’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness.

Takeaway: This conveys a powerful message that gratitude, both before and after the miracle, seals the blessing and prepares us for more. Gratitude multiplies favour.

MARY 

When the angel told Mary of her divine pregnancy, her response wasn’t fear. Rather, it was faith-laced gratitude. She recalled how God exalted the humble, fed the hungry, and showed mercy “to Abraham and his descendants forever.” (Luke 1:46–55) She remembered God’s mercy across generations. Mary saw her situation—young, unmarried, misunderstood—not as a crisis, but a continuation of divine mercy.

Takeaway: When our lives seem disrupted by divine assignments or unexpected detours, recalling God’s track record brings peace. God doesn’t fail and will not fail you.

1. Keep a record of God’s acts in your life. Write down past answers to prayer and miracles.

2. Testify publicly, whether in church, family meetings, or mentorship sessions; speak of God’s deeds.

3. Teach your friends, the youngsters and mentees about God’s wonderful works. Pass down God’s stories to ensure a legacy. (See Psalm 78:6).

4. Compose songs or poems (if you can) of remembrance. Like David and Mary, singing helps memory and stirs worship.

When we stop rehearsing our problems and complaining but start remembering God’s provisions, we attract divine mercy. Gratitude shifts our posture from entitled demand to humble dependence. It unlocks joy and positions us for more.

We find this sobering rebuke in Psalms 78:41–42, which is not something we should say about ourselves.

 “Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power—the day He redeemed them from the oppressor.”

Let us be people who remember and give thanks in tears. We are a people who hold onto hope despite the challenges we face, as we have witnessed His hand in the past and are confident in His unchanging nature.

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

May gratitude and remembrance anchor you, your family, and all your loved ones in the deep waters of God’s faithfulness—past, present, and to come, in Jesus’ name!