April 28

I will remember the works of the Lord. - Psalms 77:11.

THIS is not a natural resolution. Men naturally are for putting God out of their thoughts. God infinitely deserves our remembrance, and He is perpetually making us to remember. He says to us in his word and by all his works, “Behold me, behold me.” He pours a profusion of benefits around us, that we may be perpetually reminded of him; and when we forget him, he will employ other and painful methods to induce us to regard him. And when he is visiting us with chastisement, it is well if we remember him, and ask, “Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night?” David, when in distress, and when his soul was cast down within him, says, “I will remember thee.” And so said Asaph, in the day of trouble, and when his “sore ran in the night.”

Whom ought we to remember? Whom can we remember so effectually when in distress as God? “He is,” says the Apostle, “the blessed God;” the original is “the happy God,” happy in himself, and the source of happiness to us. Therefore, when our soul is cast down within us, let us remember him-remember his power. Can anything be “too hard for the Lord? “Is he not able to do far more exceedingly abundant than we can ask or think? Let us remember his wisdom. He knoweth our soul in adversity. He knows what discipline we require. He knows “how to deliver the godly,” and how to make “all things work together for good.” Let us remember his goodness. “He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” There is a needs-be for these dispensations. If we should ever question whether he withholds anything for want of disposition to indulge, let us look at the cross. See what he has given us already. Let us remember that he “spared not his own Son,” but “gave him up for us all,” and will he not “with him also freely give us all things” that are necessary for our welfare? Let us remember his word. “This is my comfort in my affliction, thy word hath quickened me.” What provisions! what promises do we find here! how suited to our own case, and all-sufficient for our relief. Let us remember his covenant, which is ordered in all things and sure; and let us remember his providence.

O may we never forget that God is about our path, and while he is acquainted with all our ways, he is “performing all things for us.” In the midst of our fears, he is managing all our affairs, and caring for us, with infinite wisdom and kindness. Let us therefore remember the works of Him, without whom a sparrow falls not to the ground, and who numbers the very hairs of our head. It was thus David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.