Sometimes trusting in God’s faithfulness looks like we are doing nothing. It can be the hardest “nothing” to do.
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened attentively and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and esteem His name. ‘And they will be Mine,’ says the Lord of armies, ‘on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will have compassion for them just as a man has compassion for his own son who serves him.’ So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” – Malachi 3:16-18
The Book Of Remembrance
As the book of Malachi draws to a close, we shift from hearing God’s rebuke toward unfaithful hearts to an uplifting assurance for those who remain faithful. Even in times of widespread disobedience, God has always preserved a faithful remnant—a group devoted to honoring and obeying Him.
Initially, when I read about the “book of remembrance,” I assumed it referred to something the faithful Israelites themselves recorded to honor God’s work in their lives. However, upon deeper study, I discovered that this phrase is used figuratively throughout Scripture, symbolizing God’s perfect memory of the faithfulness of His people. It is actually a book of God’s faithfulness to those who fear him.
Consider these passages:
- Exodus 32:32: “But now, if You will forgive their sin, very well; but if not, please wipe me out from Your book which You have written!”
- Psalm 56:8: “You have taken account of my miseries; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?”
- Daniel 12:1: “…your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”
- Revelation 20:15: “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
God’s Justice In Not Delayed
In Malachi, the “book of remembrance” is a divine assurance: God sees and knows those who fear Him. Even when it feels like the wicked prosper, God’s justice is never absent. At the right time, He will act according to our deeds.
A vivid example of this principle is found in Esther 6:1-3, where King Ahasuerus discovers an overlooked act of faithfulness recorded in his royal chronicles:
“During that night, the king could not sleep, so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written what Mordecai had reported about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers, that they had sought to attack King Ahasuerus. Then the king said, ‘What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?’ And the king’s servants who attended him said, ‘Nothing has been done for him.’”
This story mirrors God’s justice. Just as the king couldn’t rest until he ensured Mordecai was rewarded, God remembers and rewards the faithfulness of His people in His perfect timing.
Faithfulness Through Trust
At the end of Malachi 3, God turns His attention to the faithful, addressing their doubts about His justice. Earlier, He rebuked the belief that serving Him was futile, as it seemed the unrighteous were thriving while the righteous suffered.
To illustrate His care, God uses the analogy of a father and son. Any parent can relate: when a child feels wronged, they look to their parent for justice. Yet, as parents, we know there’s often more to the situation than the child can understand. Sometimes, allowing a child to endure difficulty—no matter how unfair it seems—builds their character. Parents know the limits and timing of their response, even when the child cannot see the bigger picture.
This is the essence of God’s reassurance: “You know, as parents, the best thing often requires patience. Your kids have to trust you—that’s what I’m doing.” God’s message here is deeply comforting and practical.
Trusting God’s Goodness
The overarching message of Malachi is clear: don’t let doubt erode your trust in God’s goodness. Taking matters into your own hands only leads to greater chaos. Instead, remember the timeless wisdom of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
The hardest battles are the ones where we must choose not to fight but to trust in God’s perfect plan. When the unrighteous seem to prosper, and it feels like justice is delayed, God invites us to rest in His faithfulness. His timing is perfect, His justice is certain, and His love for His faithful children never fails.