"Remember This Moment" (Psalms 94:19)

It was a beautiful sunset on the beach in the Big Island of Hawaii. My wife and I shared a hammock as we watched the spectacular vision. A cool breeze gently rocked us. The sweetness of the ocean spray mixed with scent of jasmine.

“Remember this moment.”

I nodded and smiled. The previous weeks had been brutal. Work was bearing down and unusual circumstances were converging upon me, affecting my sleep and family harmony. This vacation was much needed but even during this time of rest, my soul was unsettled.

“This has been a difficult time for you. I want you to remember this moment. God is taking care of you and this family.”

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Psalms 94:19 (ESV)

My wife’s kind words reminded me of God’s promises, promises that are sometimes easily forgotten or overlooked when I wallow in self-pity. During difficult times in my life, I can choose to blame others or circumstances for my plight, or look upward and outward to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The problem is my heart. I want to serve Jesus but my motives are darkened and soiled by my old nature, a nature that existed before I received salvation. And during times of trouble, I fall back and speak to my heart instead of speaking to God. I look to my heart and past failings instead of coming before God and remembering all His answered prayers and victories He has given me in my life.

Remember this moment.

During difficult times, remember the moments when God held you close in His loving arms.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.