My title for this devotion is Lessons vs Events.

We all have things happen to us-good and bad. I’m convinced, though, nothing should be wasted. We can look at that which happens as just an event to mark down that affects my day or an event that serves as a lesson.

Psalm 78 is an interesting chapter. Written by Asaph. Long by some psalm standards (72 verses). But more importantly, it is a psalm of memory, a psalm of recap, a psalm of history. Asaph’s purpose is to help the people of Israel to remember what had taken place and how God had taken care of them.

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders he has done. (Verses 2-4)

Asaph then proceeds to recount all God has done for them. For example, he recounts the experience in Egypt. (Verses 42-55)  Sadly, the people of Israel forgot. These happenings became events, not lessons to remember. Asaph recounts their waywardness, forgetfulness, and disobedience.

How often do I do that? Tough times come. I forget. Easy times come. I forget. Busy times come. I forget.

“Father, help me not to forget. Help me to remember through all that happens about your goodness and kindness to me. Let me not waste the events as just events, but help to learn and use them as lessons.”