"Remembering God's Faithfulness"
Based on Isaiah 63:7 and Spurgeon’s Devotion
Opening Prayer (30 seconds)
“Lord, thank You for Your lovingkindness and faithfulness throughout our lives. Help us today to remember Your mercies, reflect on Your Word, and grow in our trust for You. Amen.”
Scripture Reading (30 seconds)
Isaiah 63:7
“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us.”
Key Points for Discussion (4 minutes)
1. The Power of Spiritual Memory (1 minute)
Spurgeon reminds us to reflect on God’s faithfulness in our lives, especially during times of darkness. Even when our love for God feels dim, we can recall the milestones of His mercy as sources of encouragement.
Discussion Question:
“Can anyone share a specific moment when you first experienced God’s love?”
Read:
- 1 Samuel 7:12 – “Then Samuel took a stone… and called its name Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.'”
- Samuel raised an Ebenezer stone as a memorial of God’s help. We, too, can “raise our own Ebenezers” by remembering specific moments of God’s grace.
2. God’s Faithfulness in Difficult Times (1 minute)
Spurgeon paints a vivid picture of God’s past mercies, likening them to “lamps of the past” that glitter through the darkness. These reminders help us endure trials and trust God to act again.
Discussion Question:
“How has God helped you through past difficulties?”
Read:
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.”
Devotional Connection:
Just as Spurgeon encourages us to “light up the lamps of the past,” we can look back on times God restored, provided, and delivered us.
3. Building Faith Through Remembrance (1 minute)
Spurgeon uses the metaphor of weaving bulrushes into an ark for our “infant faith.” When we reflect on God’s past goodness, we build a foundation for trusting Him in the present and future.
Discussion Question:
“How does remembering past mercies strengthen your faith today?”
Read:
- Psalm 77:11 – “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”
Devotional Connection:
Faith grows when we actively remember God’s lovingkindness, just as Spurgeon exhorts us to “turn over the book of your remembrance and think upon the days of old.”
Practical Application (1 minute)
Activity:
Take 30 seconds to write down one specific example of God’s faithfulness in your life.
- It could be an answered prayer, a time of provision, or a moment you felt God’s presence.
If time permits, briefly share your example with a partner or in a group.
Devotional Connection:
This act mirrors Spurgeon’s instruction to “go to the river of your experience” and gather memories of God’s grace to strengthen your faith.
Personal Reflection (1 minute)
Take 30 seconds in silence to reflect on these questions:
- What “lamps of the past” can I light up today to help me trust God?
- How can I record God’s faithfulness so I can reflect on it in the future?
Devotional Insight:
By remembering God’s mercies and writing them down, you weave a lifeline for your faith—an ark that will help you through life’s storms.
Closing Prayer (1 minute)
“Thank You, Lord, for Your continuing faithfulness. Help us to remember Your mercies and share them with others. May we trust in You until the day breaks and the shadows flee away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Optional Take-Home Activity
Start a “Faithfulness Journal”:
- Write down one example of God’s faithfulness each day this week.
- Include both past memories and new daily mercies.
- Use your journal as a resource to remind yourself of God’s love during future challenges.
Devotional Connection:
This echoes Spurgeon’s encouragement to “turn over the book of your remembrance and think upon the days of old.” By recording God’s goodness, you’ll have a tangible reminder of His unchanging faithfulness.
Summary
This harmonized Bible study combines Spurgeon’s timeless devotion with interactive elements, Scripture, and reflection to encourage participants to remember God’s faithfulness and find hope in their current circumstances. “Forget not what your God has done for you!”