We’ve changed how we share our lives and indeed what we share. Social media makes it easy for us to chronicle the minutiae (“Eggs for breakfast!”) and milestones (‘It’s a boy!”) of our stories in real time. Skype and smartphones have fueled political revolutions.

But what of our stories must we remember? And what do we do with them?

In verse four of this psalm the writer tells us. “We won’t keep secret the glorious deeds and the mighty miracles of the LORD.” In 72 verses he gathers up the history of Israel and presents it as a love story – the story of a powerful lover whose deeds and miracles are all to protect and woo His beloved at all costs; a lover who, despite that power, keenly feels the sting of his beloved’s rejection. Israel distrusts God’s miracles and refuses His power (verse 22). Time and again the people brush aside the miracle of their deliverance.

The miracle and glory of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection mean that the lover’s pursuit has not waned. The story isn’t over. And perhaps that’s why remembering and retelling the story can be hard work. The story cannot be rushed. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not ours, says the prophet Isaiah. Neither is God’s timing. Love is patient writes Paul.

“As you go, teach all the nations what I have taught you,” Jesus tells His followers. We have more deserts to travel, burning bushes to encounter, callings to receive and kingdom work to do. And in all that, it’s clear: We are the story and every act of service and love we do in Jesus’ name remembers and retells the love with which He first loved us.

Desire of nations, you love us with a love that will never let us go. Give us long memories and hearts on fire that we may go and serve the nations with love that is patient and kind. In Jesus’ name. Amen

By Renee James