We must never forget what God has done for us. And, oftentimes, we should stop and truly consider what He has done for us. It’s good practice to ponder and consider the prayers He has answered and consider how He came through in that minute moment we needed Him.
I was reading Samuel’s farewell dialogue with the people of Israel in Chapter 12 of 1st Samuel. In it, he asks the people to let him know if he had basically offended or done any wrong to them. They answered that he had not cheated, nor robbed nor offended them. It was a simple reminder to the people that he could be trusted to tell them the truth. He also reminded them that having a king was their idea and request, and not his. It was as if he was setting the stage for them to know that he could not be blamed for God’s punishment for their selfish motives
Samuel reminded them that they did not want God as their King, instead they wanted their own chosen king and they got him. He cautioned them, “If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God–good! But if you do not obey the Lord , and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was with your ancestors.”
The people acknowledged their selfishness in demanding a king and asked Samuel to pray for them, “for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.” Samuel acknowledged their selfish request but reiterated to them not to turn away from God but to serve Him with all of their heart. He added, “For the sake of his great name, the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.”
He also told them he would continue praying for them and would teach them “the way that is good and right.” Do you remember someone like this; someone that has told you many times they pray for you and still teach you “the way that is good and right?” We should be thankful for those that still do this and make the time to remember us!
The 24th verse is one I personally took to heart as I read it. It was as if Samuel was directly speaking to me. “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”
Samuel reminds us to take and make the time to regard what great things God has done for us. In verse 7 of the same chapter Samuel specifically gives examples of what God did for them. I know, when I really stop to consider; I find innumerable things to be thankful for and the reality of what he has truly done for me and the clarity of where I am today as a result of it humbles me to no end. I am so moved at the knowledge that God does love me so unconditionally! I do not deserve what God has done; and He knows it as well but that doesn’t prevent him from supporting me and being there in my times of need!
Reflection allows us to center ourselves with the Lord. It rivets our attention to God; His goodness, His forthrightness, His faithfulness, His love and all of this strengthens our faith. Sometimes we are so self-oriented, focusing on getting ahead, doing better, progressing, future-oriented that we lose sight of what we’re all about! And, we forget what God has already done for us.
I must remember what God has done for me so I can move on and move ahead with humble and sincere gratitude! “How Great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you.” 2nd Samuel 7:22
ritasalomon 