It Is Well

Remember. Rehearse. Revisit. Many times it is written in the Old Testament that the Lord exhorted the children of Israel to remember what He had done for them, to remember how He had revealed Himself to them. And the result of their remembering grew into a rich annual rhythm of fasting and feasting, lamenting and celebrating.

In the midst of chaos and struggle, we are called to pour out our hearts to Him in lamentation and to remember His faithfulness with hope and joy. He came to be with us so that we’d know the way home. He gave us His Word to renew our minds and to keep us alert to His truth, and He sent the Holy Spirit to us to help us remember His promises and to show us how to stay on the path. .

In times of darkness, we are tempted to slumber. Fear can make us sleepy, as it did the deciples who were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. You know, the ones who were a stone’s throw away from the One who was sweating drops of blood as He prayed for the cup of crucifixion to pass from Him. The ones who could not stay awake to watch and pray with their friend and teacher who was wrestling with the details of the mission set before Him to become the Savior of the world.

There is something about the reality that you can’t do anything to change anything that just makes you want to go to bed and pull the covers over your head. But what does Jesus promise? He promises that we don’t have to be afraid, even though there are trials and tribulations of all kinds in this world. And He can make that promise because He overcame. He went and took the keys of hell and death from Satan, and He rose again to sit on His throne in Heaven to rule and reign forever! That is the truth, no matter what the facts of your life seem to indicate to you.

So, we say with the Psalmist, “Why so downcast, o my soul? Put your hope in God.” (Ps 42:11) Hope anchors us in the tumultuous seas of life on planet earth. Whether chaos is within or without, we have a sure foundation in Christ. And it does us good to remember who He is, what He has done, and how He has helped us and shown His great love to us.

Take some time this week to remember. Write a prayer of gratitude and be specific. Build your faith. It’s ok to lament what is going on in the world, but do so with hope in our victorious Savior. Trust Him to lead you, and look to His word, which will light your path. (Ps 119:105) Always be ready to say, “It is well with my soul.”

Until next week, fellow so-journer, practice remembering and look forward with hope.