Recollection, Reflection, and Declaration
W. Jones. Psalm 77:11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember your wonders of old. I. RECOLLECTION. "I will remember," etc. Memory may be regarded in several aspects — 1. As a source of pain. Tennyson has beautifully and truthfully said: —A sorrow's crown of sorrow is remembering happier things.And Goldsmith: — "Remembrance wakes with all her busy train, Swells at my breast, and turns the past to pain." 2. As a source of pleasure. "A memory without blot or contamination," said Charlotte Bronte, "must be an exquisite treasure, — an inexhaustible source of pure refreshment." 3. As an aid to faith. So the psalmist uses it on this occasion. (1) God's works are wonders. What marvellous things He is ever accomplishing in the material world! What wonders He wrought on behalf of His ancient people! How wonderful are His doings now in the experience of His people — sanctification and glorification! Truly, "the bright glories of His grace, beyond His other wonders shine."(2) God's wondrous works should be remembered. He who does not remember them overlooks the most glorious of records; and cannot be held guiltless of ingratitude. (3) God's wondrous works remembered are calculated to inspire confidence. They reveal a Being who is supremely trustworthy. II. REFLECTION. "I will meditate," etc. By means of reflection we are enabled to realize the facts recalled by memory, to perceive their significance and applications. And the emotions which naturally spring from the facts remembered are excited by reflection. Recollection is of little worth comparatively, unless accompanied and followed by meditation. It was by the exercise of both these faculties that the troubled heart of the poet grew calm and victorious. III. DECLARATION. "I will talk of Thy doings." A good man, having passed through experiences similar to those of the psalmist, should talk of God's doings. After his trouble, recollection, and meditation, his talk would be — 1. Intelligent. He would not utter crude or rash statements concerning God and His providence. 2. Trust-inspiring. His own faith would grow stronger as he recounted to others, etc. The faith of those who heard him would also grow as they thought of his conflict, and how he won the victory. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. WEB: I will remember Yah's deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.