Remember God’s Faithfulness

Introduction

In part 2 of this 4-part Bible study, you read about trusting God, not your emotions. That’s not always easy to do. When you are in a difficult or challenging situation, you may feel anxious, angry, afraid, or desperately unhappy. These are normal reactions. Even the apostle Paul sometimes felt fear.

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:3)

God understands what you are going through.

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t automatically trust God if you lose your job, go through a divorce, or develop a terrible illness. Likewise, don’t feel guilty if you don’t automatically trust God if a friend betrays you, a pastor has an affair, or someone close to you dies.

God understands that you have emotional reactions, and that you may have trouble trusting him at times.

You can move from mistrust to trust.

In today’s lesson, you will learn how you can learn to trust God more—by remembering his love and faithfulness.

Related: Who Do You Think You Are?

Remember God’s faithfulness in the Bible

The Bible is full of stories of God’s faithfulness. In the Old Testament, for example, we learn that on several occasions David felt very discouraged when going through hard times. In Psalm 143 he described how he felt when he was under attack by an enemy:

O Lord , hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. (Psalm 143:1-4)

Notice that in this passage:

• David felt crushed to the ground.
• He dwelt in darkness like those long dead.
• His spirit grew faint within him.
• His heart was dismayed.

In other words, David’s trust level was not very high. But he knew how to regain trust in God. First he meditated on what God had done in the past, then he prayed intensely.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)

The Bible has many more passages encouraging us to remember God’s faithfulness. For example:

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced … (1 Chronicles 16:9-12)

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. (Psalm 111:2-4)

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah. (Psalm 143:5)

If you find yourself not trusting God, remind yourself of Bible verses that encourage and strengthen you.

Related: Why should I read the Bible?

Remember God’s faithfulness in your own life

If you have been drawing close to God, he has been drawing close to you (James 4:8). He has been changing you, helping you become more Christ-like, and guiding you (often when you weren’t aware he was guiding you).

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

If you find yourself not trusting God, remind yourself of ways he has helped you grow as a person, and ways he has helped you in difficult times.

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)

Remember God’s faithfulness in other people’s lives

Over the years I have observed many people whose lives have changed dramatically after they surrendered their will to Jesus. I have seen bad marriages become loving, rewarding marriages. I have seen angry people become gentle. I have seen boastful people become humble. I have seen alcoholics escape from alcohol’s grip.

If you have been a Christian for some time and have spent time with other believers, you may have known some people who didn’t seem to change. However, I suspect you have known people whose lives have been radically transformed by God.

If you find yourself not trusting God, remind yourself of ways he has helped others grow.

Consider creating reminders of God’s faithfulness

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on their way to the promised land, God told them to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan to save as a sign to them and their children of his faithfulness (Joshua 4:1-24).

Pray about ways you could remind yourself of God’s love and faithfulness. For example, you could keep a journal and write ways God helps you, or you could post a favorite verse on the desktop of your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Remember that God loves you

Whether or not your parents, spouse, or anyone else loves you, God, the Creator of everything that exists, loves you deeply.

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26)

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)

If you find yourself not trusting God, remember that he loves you. If you have trouble believing this, reread Day 2.

Related: Understanding God’s love

Spend time with Jesus every day

If you have a very close friend, chances are that you try to spend time with him or her as much as possible. Since Jesus is your closest friend, make time to enjoy his love and grow closer to him.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Make it a habit to:

• Pray every morning, and then throughout the day.
• Read the Bible, asking God to change you as you study.
• Spend time with fellow believers, encouraging one another in your faith.

Related: Seek to please God

Memory verse

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Psalm 77:11)