Asaph was a Levitical musician appointed by David. As a musician, it makes sense why the Psalms in his name invoke quite a bit of feeling!

In each of these Psalms we see components of the author’s experience that we have likely felt in our own lives. For example, Psalm 73:12-14 highlights the feeling that it seems the wicked seem to prosper while the pure in heart still experience suffering! Has anyone else had that thought cross their mind? I know I have. Or from Psalms 77:7-9, the feeling that God has withheld His love and compassion from you? Or, in recounting the Israelite experience in Psalm 78, have we been in moments of testing God, and ignoring His redemption from our enemies?

Throughout these chapters, we see a theme of remembrance. Whether this is people finally remembering God’s awesome power, generations being reminded of God’s miracles, or God ‘remembering’ that people are only people, remembrance is a prominent component to these musical psalms.

When people remember God, it is after they have experienced hardship, caused by the complexities of life, or God’s wrath towards their sin. It comes with recognition of God’s mighty works and requires humility. Remembering God then brings about a change from a destructive path, back to a path of righteousness and holy pursuit of God’s presence. Forgetting God and His wonders results in separation from Him for as long as someone forgets. Remembering Him correctly as the omnipotent Creator is what brings us back to His gracious and compassionate presence.

However, when God ‘remembers’ His people, it is not because He at some point forgot the way people forget, but rather He re-extends His grace yet again after His people have sinned; He acknowledges them (us!) in their sinfulness. God’s remembrance is not for His benefit, but for the benefit of His people. And without it, it wouldn’t be possible for people to experience redemption.

Remembering God, and His remembrance or compassion towards people is something worth sharing! Psalm 78:1-8 describes how important it is to tell others, future generations, about God’s works and power. Whether or not you have children of your own, you do have the opportunity to impact the next generation of believers. You can do this by reminding believers of our awesome God - reminding them of the importance of following His commands and pursuing His presence in their own lives. No matter your age, you may feel like your generation has forgotten God. But you, yes YOU, have the ability to start remembering Him today, to impact yourself and those around you, tomorrow.