How
is that possible? How could we both forget such an important day? We were
tired. We are each burdened by time and projects. We were overloaded.
But is that really a good excuse for forgetting our anniversary? Probably not.
I got
to thinking then how often I forget about God. Do I remember God throughout the
day as much as I should? Probably not.
I am
not the only one who has this remembering issue. Time and time again, God
expressed to the Israelites not to forget Him. To remember Him and all that He
had done for them. If they had a hard time remembering God (and they saw His
power and might first hand), how much more is it a possibility for me? I’d say
a pretty good chance that I’ll forget God throughout my day.
So
I’ve come up with a few passages to help me remember. To not forget all that
God has done for me. Why not join me to see what God has to say about this
topic.
God
knew from the beginning how mankind would forget Him, so He gave them the task
of placing tassels on the edge of their clothing to remember His commands
(Numbers 15:37-41).
The
purpose wasn’t for God’s ego, it was for Israel’s sake. So that they wouldn’t prostitute
themselves and allow their hearts and eyes to be distracted from God. Does this
sound like something that might happen to us? It most certainly does.
God
expressed this again in Deuteronomy chapter 4. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not
forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long
as you live.” (Deuteronomy 4:9 – NIV) Oh, how the words “slip from your heart” tugs at my heart.
I never want that to happen!
David
knew of the possibility of forgetting God. His solution? “May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you
[God].” (Psalm 137:6a – NIV) These are the words of a man who knew
forgetting God was not an option. How far are you willing to go to remember God
and all He’s done for you?
People
under the Old Testament covenant were not the only ones to forget. Jesus spoke
to His disciples about this as well. Jesus had to remind the disciples of miraculous
feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 8:18.
The
women were reminded at Jesus’ tomb of Jesus’ words. “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was
still in Galilee. ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful
men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered
his words.” (Luke 24:6-8 – NIV)
Jesus
gave us all the command to remember something special in Luke 22:19 (NIV). His
words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” are
for us. To remember Jesus as we partake of the Lord’s Supper on a weekly basis.
We must be reminded weekly to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. For me.
How forgetful could I possibly get?
But
there are a few things we are to forget. Isaiah mentions them in Isaiah 42:18
(NIV). “Forget the former things; do not
dwell on the past.” And Paul states that his past is forgotten as well. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is
behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13b – NIV)
Forgetting
our past should be easy. God has forgotten it. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our
transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 – NIV) He remembers our sin no more.
We
salvaged our anniversary. We finally remembered and all is well within the
Sisler household.
My
lesson? That my greatest desire is to keep God first and foremost in my mind. I
don’t want my busyness in His Kingdom to keep me from remembering the King.
I
will recite King David’s words again and perhaps you can join me, “These things I remember as I pour out my
soul.” (Psalm 42:4a – NIV). Remember. Don’t forget. God has done wonderful,
remarkable things in my life. I will not forget!
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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