I Will Remember

On the evening of October 6, 2017, and on the days and months following… I joined the Psalmist of Chapter 77 in my prayer.

“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. “

The smell of our burnt belongings, the sight of the flames that lit up the sky, and the feeling of shock can still be remembered. We left the housefire before it stopped burning with only the clothes and shoes we were wearing. I kept the black top with a denim collar that I had on as a reminder of that Friday night.

The feelings, the questions, the surreal - would hold me awake after collapsing on a bed at the Prophet’s Chamber at our church.

“Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. “

The questions began to surface - what will we do? How will I make it through this in utter uncertainty? Is the Lord going to sustain me? Will this finish me?

Though I could not muster feelings of hope, I found that beneath the shaky feelings was surety in my footing. “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!” Truth triumphed in my heart. I knew Whom I believed and Who would keep me til I go to Heaven! Though my earthly dwelling was turned to ashes, my God promised beauty from ashes. He had never failed me before, and I knew He would not now.

“I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?

Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?

Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” —Psalm 77:1-12 KJV

Nine years later, and my loving Heavenly Father continues to supply our every need and countless extras to enjoy on this journey.

You may ask why I recall something again after nine years. I choose to remember the works that the LORD has done! I choose to meditate on all His benefits. With my pen, I will talk of His doings in my life. All glory be to my Father for His tender watch-care over us!

Have you experienced a housefire yourself or with someone else?

God strengthened my faith and deepened my friendships with friends who showed up in my unprecedented trial and stayed through the process of getting reestablished.

Have you experienced a fire in your life that no one could smell or see? No one brought you food or clothes or pretty things to cheer you.

I’ve had these fires too, and my Father has always been with me. The longer I live, the more I want to remember the works of the LORD, and the more I want to write about Him.