How To Be Peaceful and Happy Through Remembering
![How much time do you spend remembering? We choose the memories we focus on and it's important to know that the best way to enjoy peace and happiness is to remember God's gracious blessings.](https://i0.wp.com/countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Remembering-X.jpg?resize=700%2C394&ssl=1)
How much time do you spend remembering?
I still remember the Sunday morning Rev began our Bible Class by looking at me and asking…
“Do you remember…”
Before he had time to finish the question, I quipped, “I don’t know, did I cry?”
The group burst into laughter as they knew me well … I’m an empath.
All my memories have emotions attached. Laughter or tears, big feelings leave big imprints in my memory bank.
Whether you remember factually or emotionally, remembering is important…
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46:9
If you and I want to TRUST and OBEY God, we must remember who He is and what He’s done.
Every time I read the Old Testament, I notice that when God’s people stopped remembering His covenant promises, gracious forgiveness, and life-changing miracles they became weak, whiney, and disobedient.
God rescued the Children of Israel and set them free from slavery and persecution in Egypt; yet, whenever they forgot God’s past mercies they became irritable and disobedient in every challenging situation. From desert wandering through Judges, Kings, and the Prophets … if they failed to remember, they failed to trust and obey.
I wonder if we do the same.
Is that why the Lord commanded His people to remember His promises and blessings?
Search for the Lord and for His strength;
1 Chronicles 16:11–12, 34
continually seek Him.
Remember the wonders He has performed,
His miracles, and the rulings He has given.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
I know I enjoy more peace and happiness when I gratefully remember God’s gracious blessings.
Asaph wrote…
But then I recall all You have done, O Lord;
Psalm 77:11–12
I remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago.
They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about Your mighty works.
And David wrote…
I take joy in doing Your will, my God,
Psalm 40:8
for Your instructions are written on my heart.”
Remembering who God is and what He does leads us to a life rooted in LOVE, TRUST, and OBEDIENCE. And He wants them for us because He knows they are the things that will give us peace and happiness.
I want that!
I want to remember and celebrate the times the Lord has:
- Forgiven.
- Restored.
- Provided.
- Healed.
- Endured.
- Blessed.
- Strengthened.
- Comforted.
- Protected.
When You and I read God’s Word and think about the ways He has worked in our lives and cared for us in the past, we are more likely to trust Him today.
So…
It’s important to remember who God is and what He’s done…
- When life is difficult.
- When we’re distracted and busy.
- When the enemy is tempting and taunting.
- When we think all is well.
God is who He says He is and He says—I am the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Keep Remembering
and Be Peaceful and Happy
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the blessing of Your Word to help us KNOW who You are and all You’ve done throughout history. Thank you for showing us how giving in to weakness and disobeying You will rob us of peace and happiness.
Thank you for sending Jesus to save us from sin, death, and the power of evil. Please help me always remember the enormous sacrifice You made to make me Your child.
Please open my eyes to all You have done and continue to do for me. Please help me gratefully remember all the times You have provided for and protected me and the people I love. Father, You are caring and kind, gracious and merciful. You alone are worthy of my trust and obedience.
I know that remembering Your blessings makes me thankful and that leads to peace and happiness. Please be with me and give me everything I need to make my life a reflection of Your love in ways that give You glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
So, what are some of the ways you and I can remember what God has done?
- Share the day’s blessings with our families.
- Keep a blessings journal.
- Mark special days on our calendars.
- Celebrate blessing anniversaries.
- Don’t ignore the little things.
And while you remember that God is who He says He is and count the blessings of all He has done … remember that you are who He says you are.
He calls you His precious child … loved, cherished, and redeemed.
That’s something worth remembering!
God bless you as you remember His goodness and trust Him with your day.
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Thank you for this beautiful word today. Today is my husband’s birthday. He passed from this life in April, 2022.
We were married 45 years. I felt so sad when I awakened today, yet I already had plans to have a “Papa Day” with my grandsons. I “remember” how my husband and I recalled God’s blessings in our life – the many things he brought us through. One thing my husband would often say and it has even more meaning to me now: “God is the author and finisher of my faith.”
I must remember the goodness of God.
I love this, Barbara! “Papa Day!” My husband went home to the Lord in February, so I’m newer to this part of the journey. But I know the memories I carry in my heart help me so much. God blessed us in more ways that I could begin to count. Thanks so very much for stopping by and sharing this today. Have a wonderful day with your grandsons! God bless you!
May we recount with joy the precious memories we have of God blessing and keeping us in His merciful love.
Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! God’s merciful love and countless blessings the things I want to hold to my heart every day. Blessings and hugs!