It’s good to take a break from the busyness always around us and remember the goodness of the Lord in our lives. (Psalm 103:2; Lamentations 3:22-23) His hand is always on us. Ours is a God powerful enough to keep the world spinning and hanging in thin air while making certain every molecule of life holds together and performs its function.
And yet He is still intimate enough to care about the smallest details in our lives. Think about that for a moment. We know it intellectually, but how often do we feel it in our hearts? Jesus Christ, who gave His life on a cross to save all humanity, is also interested in how your day is going. Who are we that He should take notice of us? (Psalm 8:3-4; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
Remember how God, through Jesus, created the world and everything in it. (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16) There is nothing you see in nature that does not bear the signature of Christ. (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20) People have spent centuries concocting the most nonsensical alternatives to how we and the world came to be, just to avoid the truth they cannot believe. That truth is God breathed life into man and gave him dominion over all the earth. (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7) We still bear this privilege and responsibility.
Remember how God came to the rescue of His people time and time again. His miracles delivered a nation of slaves from the most powerful army on earth. (Exodus 14:21-31) His strength and intervention allowed a young man armed with only a sling to take down a massive warrior giant and deliver his people from the hand of the enemy. (1 Samuel 17:45-50) Recall how God sent an angel of the Lord to shut the mouths of ravenous lions to preserve one aging but faithful man. (Daniel 6:22) The God of Moses, David, and Daniel is the same God who fights for you. (Hebrews 13:8; Exodus 14:14)
Remember how God so loved the world that He gave His only Son as a perfect substitute for the atonement of our sins. (John 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18) God sent Jesus to redeem mankind rather than condemn it, even though we do nothing but rail and rebel against His authority. (John 3:17; Romans 5:8) Rejoice in how God delivered Peter, Paul, and Silas from prison cells and used these men to spread the Gospel all over the world. (Acts 12:6-11; Acts 16:25-34) These events weren’t just unlikely; they were impossible. But not for God.
Remember how God in His mercy chose you to follow Him before time began. (Ephesians 1:4-6; 2 Timothy 1:9) Think about what He saved you from and what He has saved you to become. (Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17) I am convinced we don’t think about this enough, and we certainly do not praise Him enough for this alone. How could we ever thank Him enough for our salvation? (Psalm 103:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:15) Beyond salvation, think about the countless times the Lord has provided for your physical, emotional, and financial needs. Even when there is no way, the Lord makes a way. (Philippians 4:19; Isaiah 43:19)
Nations have many days set aside to remember important dates and people in history. None of those, no matter how significant, compare to remembering what Jesus has done for you. It is good and right to remember those who sacrificed for their country. These are indeed noble men and women. But none of them could ever save your soul. Only God can do that.
When was the last time you set aside a day to remember His sacrifice for you? Today, remember those who have gone before you. Honor their lives and faithfulness. But most of all, remember Jesus. Remember the cross. Remember what He has done for you and live your life worthy of that sacrifice. (Colossians 1:9-10)