Remember When… ? by Bermie Dizon

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Growing up, I had the mistaken idea that real men don’t cry. Well, I’m afraid I don’t agree with that anymore. There are times in my life when I find myself crying in the middle of the night. Most of these moments happen when I’m talking to God after midnight. I think God and I have a standing appointment around 3:30 in the morning (smile). Somehow, I wake up at that time. Most of the time, however, that feeling of despair turns to joy in having a talk with God.

I learned from a pastor mentor / friend years ago that whenever he wakes up at night, he considers it God waking him up and wanting to talk.

As I’ve gotten to know several Christians, I find great comfort in knowing I’m not the only one spending sleepless nights in anguish. You see, I am a feeler.  I ache inside of me whenever I see others in pain and suffering even if they live on the opposite side of the globe.  Recently, I was reading Psalm 77 and found the writer expressing the same sentiment: “I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted.” (Psalm 77:2)

Perhaps you’ve asked the same questions or shared similar doubts? The Psalmist continues in his despair: “Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will He never again be kind to me? Is His unfailing love gone forever? Have His promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He slammed the door on His compassion?” (Psalm 77:7-9)

During times of trials and affliction—when God seems distant—it’s easy to fall into despair and feel as if God has forgotten us. But when we experience deep despair and question God’s faithfulness, we must do as the Psalmist did: recall and remember what God has done.

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” (Psalm 77:11-12)

Are you in a place of despair and doubt? Then recall and remember. Recall all that God has done for His people, as recorded in the Scriptures. Turn to the pages of the Bible and remember His mighty works. Reflect on the times God has worked in your life and in the lives of your loved ones. Remember the moments when you knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that God was present and active.

Recall God’s promises for you and remember the times he was faithful in fulfilling those promises. Then, remember the hope we have as precious children of God in Christ, because of the Lord’s great love, compassion, and faithfulness.

The prophet Jeremiah, a man full of distress and worries, wrote these words that encourage us: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness, and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:19-21)

In the New Testament, remembrance is just as vital. In fact, one of the Holy Spirit’s key roles is to help believers remember: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

Remembering what God has done for us is foundational for living the Christian life. How can we forgive if we forget the pardon God purchased for us at Calvary? How can we be motivated to sacrifice for others if we forget the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

So, if you find yourself wide awake at night, unable to sleep, perhaps God wants to hear from you. Perhaps he wants you to listen. Either way, remember what God has done through Jesus Christ, and meditate on what God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—continues to do for you, giving you hope for a better life and future.

Bermie Dizon is a husband, father, grandfather and retired pastor living in Southern California.

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