hope

Recall to Mind

/ Gail Johnson / 16 Comments

And I said, My strength and my hope

Is perished from the LORD:

Remembering mine affliction and my misery,

The wormwood and the gall.

My soul hath them still in remembrance,

And is humbled in me.

This I recall to my mind,

Therefore have I hope.

It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed,

Because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning:

Great is thy faithfulness.

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul:

Therefore will I hope in him.

Jeremiah 3:18-24

Still in remembrance

We have no trouble remembering hard times. A memorial of the incident leaps to mind when something terrible happens, bringing back all the emotions we experienced at that time. This is like… I remember when…

Jeremiah remembered his hard times.

But then, something happens. He writes, “This I recall to my mind.”

Recall to Mind

The word recall is a synonym for remembering. Now, I’m no expert, but these two words work differently in my thinking, especially in the spiritual context.

To recall is an intentional act. We mentally run through our files, pulling out the needed memory to bolster our failing hope.

Jeremiah intentionally focused on God and his mercies. His compassions. His faithfulness.

We can’t erase the hard times or the memories that come with them. But we can intentionally recall God’s unfailing love and His faithfulness to us.

On the other hand, the antonym for recall is forget. How easily we forget God’s faithfulness and His blessings during stormy seasons. The writer of Hebrews encourages us not to forget, but to recall!

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering: (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Most people know the first verse and the chorus to the following song. I want to share the last two verses with you. And if you have the time, the video is well worth the listen. CeCe Winans is one of my all-time favorite gospel singers.

2. Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Thomas O. Chisholm

Public Domain

Photo by Free-Photos on Pixabay

Courage

/ Gail Johnson / 10 Comments

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24 KJV).

We are all on a journey. Taking that next step takes courage. It isn’t easy to leave the normal ruts to blaze an uncharted path. Have courage and take that next step toward your goals.

#courage #goals

Yes, He Can

/ Gail Johnson / 18 Comments

Have you ever questioned if the Lord’s able to supply your need? Wonder if He understands how you feel in your present circumstance? If He’s forgotten you? Capable to see you through?

If so, you’re not alone.

The writer of Thessalonians tells us the One Who called us is Faithful.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

1 Thessalonians 5:24

I recently had a candid conversation with my daughter while driving. The song I’m sharing below was playing, and I said, “I never question if He’s able. I wonder if He will.”

My daughter glanced my way and replied. “And if He won’t, then tell me why, and I’ll go on about my business.”

I hope that made you laugh. It did me. She wasn’t being disrespectful, but honestly sharing her struggles. It was a rare moment. I think it even surprised her. LOL It also revealed how we differ in our thought patterns. Even as a child, she was fine as long as you told her why not.

I, on the other hand, have often asked why but never why not. Why? Because I’m too busy wondering if He will. And guess what? He did.

Ah! Remembering gives us hope.

All we have to do is look back. Like the song says, “Looking back…”

Look back, take inventory, and give thanks for the blessings.

Back to my daughter. She knows we don’t always get to know why. That’s life. And life isn’t about the why. It’s about faith. But she has to ask. That’s my Lulu.

Hope your summer is going well. If you’re like me, you are busy with chores. Enjoy the song. Take care! Blessings.