365 Days of the Great Names of God, Day 168: Remember His Name

Remember His Name

"In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law." (Psalm 119:55 NIV)

I have a love-hate relationship with the reminder feature on my cell phone. 

On the one hand, I love that when I think of something I need to keep on my mental radar, I can just type a couple words into my phone, set an alarm, and be on my way without having to round up a sticky note and figure out where to put it so that I'll actually see it. 

On the other hand, I hate how bossy the reminders are. I'm prone to yelling "WHAT??!!" when they go off. Even though that's their function and even thought that's what I have, in fact, requested of them. The reminders annoy me because they tell me I need to DO something. I need to take action. Which is exactly the point of "remembering" God's name, because the Hebrew word translated "remember" in the Old Testament often indicates not only the mental act of recalling information but also behavior born out of that information. 

To "remember" God's name is not only to acknowledge it but to act on it.

The Psalmist confirms this way of thinking: in verse 55 of the longest chapter in the Bible, he doesn't stop at saying He remembers God's name in the night, as if it just gives him something to do other than count sheep if he's having trouble sleeping. Instead, with one intentional word—"that"—he moves on to what he plans to do during the day with what he recalls in the night: keep God's law.

Maybe the reminder I need to set on my phone—with a repeat of "daily" and an end repeat of "never"—is, "Remember God's name. Then do something about it."

In the night, I remember that God's name is Yahweh-Shalom..."that" in the day I might respond as a peacemaker by not saying something that would only add to an argument without taking it anywhere worthwhile.

In the night, I remember that God's name is Provider..."that" in the day I might respond by helping someone in need.

In the night, I remember that God's name is Alpha and Omega..."that" in the day I might respond by beginning something that will draw me closer to God and ending something that's pulling me away from Him. 

In the night, I remember that God's name is Love..."that" in the day I might respond by telling my family I love them in their preferred love language, even if—especially if—it's not my native tongue.

Oh, God, I remember Your name. Help me to make it known.