The Godly Kings of JudahSample

Remembering Heritage

Part of leaving a lasting legacy is remembering the past, not to dwell on our hurts or pain but rather to remember the markers along the way where we have seen God’s faithfulness. These markers can give us courage in the next challenging season and help us instill courage in the next generation.

Remembering is a pattern we see throughout the Old Testament. Psalm 143:5 reminds us, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”

Each December, as I am praying about my word for the coming year, I review the past twelve months and mark the faithfulness of God, remembering His goodness and how He helped me remain faithful to Him. This has empowered my faith in two ways. First, it creates a sense of gratitude, realizing how God’s character shows me kindness, faithfulness, mercy, and goodness. The second is it gives me a record of when I experienced spiritual amnesia in a challenging season. If God was faithful to me last year, five years ago, or 10 years ago, I can remember that He will be faithful to me in my present challenge. I keep track of it in a journal. Someday when I graduate to heaven, I hope the journal will be a source of inspiration for my children and grandchildren.

We will all leave a legacy. We have a choice of what we will pass on to the generations. Remembering the spiritual markers in our lives helps us move forward.

The main reason Judah had gone astray was that the people had forgotten God’s words to them. They failed to understand who Jehovah God was. They neglected His commandments and created their truth, influenced by the nations around them.

Does that sound at all familiar? We live in a world that continues to ignore God, and we see the consequences of evil abound. It feels as though darkness has escalated to unbelievable heights in the past few years. God’s Word is what will keep us anchored. Recalling God’s faithfulness— remembering—helps us continue on the path of righteous living and feeds our courage.

Reflection: Think back over the past year. Can you remember and testify of God’s recent faithfulness in your life?

Did you enjoy this seven-day devotional?
Pick up your copy of The Godly Kings of Judah, an eight-week Bible study. The Old Testament kings will be your companions as you fight the Lord’s battles, topple the idols that claw at our hearts, and bring reformation to God’s holy people. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure! Because when all is said and done, you want the legacy of the godly kings to be your own: “She did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.”