A Journal of Mercies
A journal of mercies can transform a complaining life into one of hope and song by reminding us of God's goodness and blessings.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of keeping a journal of mercies, inspired by Frances Ridley Havergal's practice of recording God's goodness in her life. By actively seeking and acknowledging God's grace and bounty in our lives, we can experience a deeper communion with Him. Remembering past blessings can dispel fears and provide courage for the present challenges we face, allowing us to march through difficulties with songs of praise.
Text
NEHEMIAH ix. 6-11.
"Thou hast performed Thy words: for Thou art righteous." Frances Ridley
Havergal kept a journal of mercies. She had a record book, and she crowded
it with her remembrances of God's goodness. She was always on the look-out
for tokens of the Lord's grace and bounty, and she found them everywhere.
Everywhere she had communion with a covenant-keeping God. The Bible became
to her more and more the history of her own life and experience. Promise
after promise told the story of her own triumphs. She appropriated the
goodness of God, and she set her own seal to the testimony that God is
true.
Many a complaining life would be changed into music and song by a journal
of mercies. Many a fear can be dispersed by a ready remembrance. Memory
can be made the handmaid of hope. Yesterday's blessing can kindle the
courage of to-day. That is the purposed ministry of "the days that have
been." We are to harness the strength of their experiences to the tasks
and burdens of to-day; and in the remembrance of God's providences we
shall march through our difficulties with singing.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of a Journal of Mercies
- The Power of Remembrance
- Marching Through Difficulties with Hope
- Dispersing Fear with Memory
- Harnessing Strength from Past Experiences
- The Ministry of 'the Days that Have Been'
- Applying Yesterday's Blessings to Today
Key Quotes
“Many a complaining life would be changed into music and song by a journal of mercies.” — John Henry Jowett
“Yesterday's blessing can kindle the courage of to-day.” — John Henry Jowett
“We are to harness the strength of their experiences to the tasks and burdens of to-day;” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Keep a journal of mercies to remind yourself of God's goodness and blessings.
- Use past experiences as a source of strength to overcome today's challenges.
- Remember God's providences to find hope and courage in difficult times.