Memory Trouble

It happens every year. I manage to forget one of my nieces or nephews birthdays. I DO have a list that includes every relative's special day, but I've managed to misplace it. And by the time the Facebook birthday reminder alerts me to the fact that someone's big day is about to arrive, it's too late! Even if I rush to the post office to send out the card and gift, it's belated once again. Does anyone else have a hard time remembering birthdays?

I've been reading about some people who had memory trouble. But it wasn't birthdays they had a hard time remembering - it was God. Moses was constantly reminding the children of Israel to remember God's goodness and provision. Before they entered the Promised Land, Moses once again encouraged them, "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness...Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years," (Deuteronomy 8:2a, 4; KJV).

After leading the people for four decades, Moses was well acquainted with their tendencies. He shared a sneak peak of the amazing land they'd enter, "For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills," (Deut. 8:7). But followed it quickly with a stern warning, "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day," (Deut. 8:11).

Moses knew the people's propensity to wander away from God. After they entered the Promised Land and were well-fed, and had houses to live in, and flocks and herds to take care of, it would be all too easy to let pride creep in and take credit for what God had done. A life of relative ease and comfort would lull their minds to sleep, so they'd forget that every blessing they enjoyed was truly a gift from their Heavenly Father. Instead, they'd convince themselves that it was their power and might that had enabled them to become wealthy.

Unfortunately, Moses was right. It wasn't long before the Israelites began doing things their own way, completely forgetting God. But before I shake my head in disgust, I have to admit that I often do the very same thing. When things seem to be going along smoothly in my life, I begin imagining that I'm the one in control. My dependence on God wanes, and the spotlight is shifted to self. It's easy to take credit for things that are really the blessings of the Lord.

Enter the troubles and trials of life, and I find myself in an 'Ah-ha!' moment. Oh yeah, I'm not the one in control after all! And I find myself asking forgiveness and once again bowing at the feet of my Savior - the only One who is ever in control. It's important to remember. Focusing on the goodness of God and all that He's done for me. He is truly worthy of all of my praise!

Do you have a hard time remembering all the good things the Lord has done for you? Take some time today to praise Him for His goodness!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that paints a vivid picture of the importance of remembering Your goodness. Forgive me when I choose to forget You. Help me to praise You today for all that You've done in my life. You are good! In Jesus' name, Amen.