The Scriptures are rich with reminders and commands for us to remember God, but they also include numerous examples of individuals asking God to remember. These requests often focus on God’s promises, His character, or specific circumstances in their lives. Figures like David, Moses, Abraham, Nehemiah, and Hezekiah — among many others — specifically petitioned God to remember.
While these individuals were not doubting God’s ability to remember, deliver on His promises, or remain faithful, their requests highlight the profound gap between divine perfection and human frailty. We forget, misremember, fail to follow through, and often let important things drift to the back burner. These limitations are intrinsic to human nature, and because of them, it can be difficult for us to fully comprehend that God cannot, does not, and will never forget or fail. God’s mind is perfect; ours is not. This reality often fuels our crisis of confidence.
Let’s look at example of this:
Nehemiah dedicated his life to God. Leaving an incredibly impressive position of cupbearer to the King, Nehemiah travels back to his homeland to help Jerusalem rebuild the walls and restore Jerusalem to true worship and service. At the end of the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah summarizes and reflects back on his last reforms with the children of Israel. In the midst of his reflections and summary Nehemiah makes this request:
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not forget the good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service. (Nehemiah 13:14)
He ends his reflections (and the entire book) with this the last sentence
Remember me, O my God, for good. (Nehemiah 13:31)
Nehemiah pleads with God as his life’s work comes to an end, asking Him to remember all his good deeds and to remember him with favor. But Nehemiah can only make that request because he has a life dedicated to God and good works for God. He only feels comfortable asking God to remember his works because Nehemiah knows in his heart he has done everything he could for God. He wants to make sure God remembers.
Throughout the Bible, individuals like Nehemiah often ask God to remember something, seeking to bring their concerns to the forefront of His eternal awareness. This “prayer of remembrance” is not about reminding a forgetful God but about reassuring ourselves. Such prayers ease our moments of doubt, reinforcing the truth that God hears us and remains faithful. They offer a human way of affirming that God has remembered, continues to remember, and will always remember.
But requests like Nehemiah’s are only meaningful, reassuring, and heard if we truly have a life of faithful service and devotion to support such a plea. Like Nehemiah, if we dedicate our lives to serving God, there may come a time, as our lives draw to a close and fear or doubt creep in, when we find ourselves praying, “Remember me, God. Remember the good works I have done for You.” In those moments, we can rest assured—God will remember. #Remember
Adonai's Appeal 