My younger sister and I we are absolute great friends, total opposite personalities but share more than a thousand tons of memories. Catching up with her and her family, means staying late at night just talking, laughing and sharing countless funny memories we encountered while growing up. She was the mischievous one, always on the lookout and crazy in a good way by all standards. Capturing all the good and the tough times we faced while growing up, only creates an avenue to really thank God for His faithfulness, mercies and goodness by all costs.
We all have memories good or bad but using the above simple life illustration, I would like to take you on a journey through God’s Word, on the importance of not forgetting what God has done for you.
Deuteronomy 6:12-Be careful not to forget the Lord, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. The Lord told the Israelites, back when they were wandering in the desert after being rescued from Egypt, to be careful to remember all the Lord had done for them. They were about to enter the promised land. God knew it would be easy to forget the God who delivered them out of slavery, who preserved them in the wilderness, and who brought them into the promised land.
Paul the Apostle traveled a lot, and one of his journeys took him to Jerusalem where he spent some time with James. While he hung out with James and the elders, Paul testified about all the things God had done through his ministry to the Gentiles. Acts 21:19-20 After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. After hearing this, they praised God. And then they said, “You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously.I am sure he shared about the salvation he saw happening, as well as the protection and provision he received from the Lord as he traveled and ministered to various people.
Countless times King David has talked about remembering the works of the Lord. Psalms 77:11-But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
Psalm 103:2- Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Jesus implemented the Lord’s Supper, showing His disciples that he wanted his death to be remembered in a certain way. Jesus said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” -Luke 22:19.
This idea, to remember what the Lord has done, is something the people of God were called to do from the beginning.
Why Remembering is Important:-
It is important to learn to regularly remember what the Lord has done for us and His people. We are forgetful. And when we forget, we begin to complain. We begin to look at our life and feel that God is not being fair, or He is not hearing our prayers. This often leads to pity parties or anger toward God.
Forgetting the wonderful works of God in our lives can make us feel entitled, like we deserve His grace and mercy when, in fact, we deserve nothing.
Forgetting the wonderful works of God in our lives can make us feel entitled, like we deserve His grace and mercy when, in fact, we deserve nothing.
Forgetfulness can cause us to become jealous of God’s work in the lives of others when we should be rejoicing with them.In remembering God’s works in Scripture and our lives,we are strengthened in our faith.A strengthened faith results in praise that comes more easily and prayers that flow more readily. Ultimately, we are better equipped to strengthen the faith of others and glorify God in our remembering.
A great way to remember what God has done in your life is to keep a journal. From time to time, write down all the ways the Lord has been at work in your heart, your life, and your family’s life. Now and then read over them, reminding yourself that God does not forget His children, and you have much to praise Him for.I have penned down Thanksgiving Will Lead To A Lifestyle Of Wholeness, Stop Complaining, and Thank You Lord which are good reads to connect with this post.
Love ReinaBeaty.
