Wednesday, August 3, 2011

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.

14 comments:

  1. That is where I find keeping a journal is good. I am not faithful about writing down things but when I do look back at my journal, I am always encouraged as I am reminded of all God has done.

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  2. Great post, Maria! Really caught my attention mentioning memory trouble - something I have too often. Thank you for the reminder of how important it is to remember God's goodness.

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  3. I posted not long ago about remembering the awesome things the Lord has done for us! There's so many.

    Great post. I forget birthdays too, so I let family members know not to expect a card. They might get a text. lol

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  4. Shanda - Great reason for journaling! It IS amazing to see God's faithfulness and how He's answered prayer. Ans it's fun to see the extra blessings that He's given just because He's a good God!! Keep journaling! Hugs and God bless!

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  5. Connie - So glad you stopped by! Seems sometimes I have selective memory syndrome... Focusing on God's goodness helps keep me memory sharp! Have a truly blessed week. Hugs to you, my friend!

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  6. Jessica - It's always uplifting to look back and remember all that God has done for us! Thoroughly enhances worship of the One who's worthy of every bit of my praise. Will definitely have to go back and read your post on remembering. And btw, a text is better than nothing! (I managed to send out the belated gift today!) God bless!

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  7. Great post Maria. I too have memory lapses and would like to blame it on menopause, but most of the time it me me me pause..... Thanks for reminding me that I am NOT in control HE is! God bless.

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  8. Dawn - Thanks for stopping by! There's definitely a connection between menopause and memory lapses, but you're right, I'm referring to the times when we choose selective memory. It is good to know that God is in control! Puts everything in the proper perspective, doesn't it? Have a great week and God bless you, too!

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  9. Thanks for this post Maria. Our pastor once asked everyone to start a book of remembrance, a journal with all the good things God did, so that we could read it in time of trouble.

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  10. Marja - What a great idea! I also know people who incorporate this idea with a bit of a twist - write down God's blessings on 3 x 5 cards and put them in a box. When you're having a rough day, pull out one of the cards and re-focus on God's goodness. Have a wonderful week, my friend! And a special congratulations for being nominated for the Reader's Favorite Award! Hugs and blessings!

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  11. Thank you for this reminder!

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  12. This subject is so timely for me as I have such a struggle with my memories lately. My spiritual memory rivals those of the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert.

    This always bring me back to my dependency as well. Every day I need to get back into the word and remember all over again.

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  13. Thanks for this wonderful reminder to count each blessing I have! Sometimes I allow other things to distract me - He is working on me to remember to be thankful all the time. :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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