The Book of Psalms (30-Day Journey)ਨਮੂਨਾ

A God Who Remembers

Psalms 105 and 106 are a pair of historical psalms that trace the story of Israel through two lenses: Psalm 105 recounts God’s faithfulness across generations, while Psalm 106 recounts Israel’s repeated failures to remain faithful in return. When read together, these two psalms paint a wonderful and vivid picture of the nature of God: He is faithful to remember, gracious to act, and merciful to restore.

Psalm 105 reveals that God is faithful to His covenant. It is a call to remember the works of the Lord. It opens with praise: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done” (v.1 NIV). What follows is a sweeping summary of God’s covenantal love—from the promise made to Abraham, to Joseph’s rise in Egypt, to the deliverance of Israel through Moses. Through it all, a repeated theme echoes: God remembers His covenant. He is not like us. He doesn’t forget His promises or go back on them. His timing may seem slow, but it is sure. Psalm 105 reveals the God who sees, leads, and delivers. Even in Egypt, when Israel was oppressed, God was orchestrating deliverance. Even in the wilderness, He provided quail and manna. Even when the patriarchs had no land to claim, God was already securing their future. Psalm 105 invites us to live as people who remember that God remembers. When life feels uncertain or delayed, remind yourself: God is not indifferent. He is not forgetful. His covenant love is not based on our performance, but on His unchanging nature.

While Psalm 105 recounts what God has done, Psalm 106 mourns what Israel has done in response. It begins with worship—“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (v.1 NIV)—but quickly shifts into a national confession. Despite all of God’s faithfulness, Israel forgot. They grumbled. They worshiped idols. They turned away. They disobeyed. They were quick to forget the God who split the sea, fed them in the desert, and led them with cloud and fire. And yet…“But he saved them for his name’s sake…” (v.8 NIV) “Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress…” (v.44 NIV). This is where we encounter the astonishing mercy of God. He does not abandon His people to their sin. Though discipline comes, so does compassion.

Over and over again, God relents, restores, and responds to their cries. Psalm 106 teaches us that while sin may be repetitive, so is mercy. And where our memory fails, His love endures. Take time to confess the places you’ve forgotten God—where you’ve replaced trust with control, or obedience with comfort. But don’t stop at confession. Move into praise. God’s mercy is not just for the past; it is for this moment. You don’t have to earn your way back. Just call on Him.

In both psalms, the central character is not Moses, Abraham, or Israel—it is God. His nature anchors every verse: He remembers His covenant (105:8), He guides His people (105:39), He saves for His name’s sake (106:8), He shows mercy in distress (106:45). God is not swayed by circumstances or even our faithfulness. His character is steady, secure, and rooted in covenantal love. He doesn't forget His people even when His people forget Him. The key exhortation across both psalms is this: remember. Forgetfulness is the gateway to fear, disobedience, and idolatry. But remembrance rekindles trust. Here are a few ways you can remember to remember and practice spiritual remembrance:

• Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness, noting answered prayers, moments of provision, and unexpected acts of grace.
• Tell your story whenever and wherever you can. Speak boldly of what God has done in your life to others.

Your testimony not only imparts strength to others but also strengthens your own memory and rekindles your own faith as well.