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“But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.” (Psalm 106:13 NIV)
We forget God’s works too quickly.
We wouldn’t worry if we had a better memory. Every time a crisis arises, instead of panicking, we would have faith. Recalling what God did in the past gives us hope for the future. Instead of trying to handle the situation in our power, we’d wait for God’s plan. Remembering is essential in the life of a Christ-Follower.
“Remember His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations.” (Psalm 105:8 NIV)
Not only do we forget what God did for us, we forget what He did for others. We forget He parted the Red Sea for Moses (Exodus 14:21-31 NIV). Or that the walls of Jericho tumbled for Joshua (Joshua 6:1-27 NIV). God’s provision for Ruth through Boaz, Esther’s position that saved the Jews, all forgotten quickly (Ruth 1-4 NIV, Esther 4:14 NIV). Even having written accounts of God’s goodness penned by different authors over centuries, doesn’t help us recollect all He has done.
Daily discipline helps remember.
Each morning when you open God’s word, it’s a reminder of His power. Through the pages of the Bible, story after story affirms God’s sovereignty. His love is apparent as He patiently forgives time, and again the Israelites follies. Jesus’s entrance into the world ushered in a revolutionary way of life none can deny. Resurrection gives way to eternal life for all who believe in its power. But if we don’t open the book, we forget the power found in it.
When Joshua and the Israelites passed through the Jordan river, God told them to set up 12 stones to remember the event (Joshua 4 NIV). Joshua told the Israelites when people ask them what the stones mean, tell them how God stopped the flow of the Jordan river for the Ark of the Covenant to pass. The visual reminder not only helped the Israelites remember but also was an opportunity to share God’s goodness with others. Making memory markers for your life helps you not only remember but also talk about God.
“Looking for Lovely” by Annie F. Downs is a Bible study I did years ago. The premise of the book is to save momentos from God moments in your life. When I did the study, I created a “Looking for Lovely” mason jar, pictured here. Inside the wide-mouthed jar are a variety of things that remind me of moments with God. One is a score card from a special round of golf. A napkin from a momentous wedding, and party favor from a wonderful birthday celebration. All reminders of ways God moves in my life. Whenever I need reminding of God’s goodness, I look in the jar.
Find a way to remember what God does for you. Grow closer to Him as you recall His glorious ways.
Question of the Day:
How are you remembering what God has done for you in your life?
Further Reading:Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 NIV, Hebrews 8:1-13 NIV, Psalm 106:13-31 NIV, Proverbs 27:7-9 NIV
