Psalm 105 begins with these grand and provoking words in verses 1-6:
OH give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth, O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
Notice all of the verbs which strongly compel readers to action: “give thanks…call…make known…sing…speak…glory…be glad…seek… remember…” It is interesting that the final verb is “remember”, as if to suggest that remembering the works of God is foundational to fulfilling all of the other
exhortations listed in this passage.
The rest of Psalm 105 goes on to recount many of the Lord’s wonders, marvels, and judgments displayed throughout Israel’s early history. So the writer of the Psalm not only gives clear commandment that the wonders of God displayed are to be remembered, but he gives a specific review of what many of those wonders are.
Sadly, the very next Psalm (106) identifies the disappointing reality that Israel was quick to forget the wonders and marvels and judgments of Godon their behalf:
Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember Your abundant kindnesses, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. (Ps. 106:7)
The tragedy of Israel’s forgetfulness is that it lead them into rebellion against the God who had shown such abundant loving kindness to them. We read of this rebellion specifically in Exodus 14:11,12:
Then they said to Moses,
We are no different than Israel of old! How quick we are to forget the wonderful works of God and His abundant loving kindness to us. How quickly we fall into rank grumbling, complaining, and rebellion when faced with any number of trials the Lord ordains for us.
As the Thanksgiving season is upon us once again, let me encourage you simply to cultivate the discipline of gratefully remembering the mighty wonders of God! As we contemplate His wonders displayed in creation, redemption in Jesus Christ, and providence – all so clearly proclaimed in His Word – may we be those who truly exhibit grateful joy and confidence in Him, even in the trials and challenges of life we sometimes face. And may such grateful joy guard us from rebellion, and keep us well on the way of faith-motivated submission to our mighty and merciful God. He is always faithful – may we always be remembering, praising, and obeying Him!
Happy Thanksgiving!
