Monday, May 4, 2026

          Forgetfulness can be a problem.  Some forms of forgetfulness are little more than an aggravation.  Other forms can be costly or consequential.  In Psalm 106:13, the Bible says, “but soon they forgot what He had done.”  The word “they” speaks of Israel.  The pronoun “He” speaks of the Lord.  Putting these words together, this verse is telling us that Israel forgot the Lord.  And this verse tells us Israel forgot the Lord “soon.”  They had a short memory of the how God had delivered them from slavery and captivity in Egypt and opened the waters of the Red Sea so they could safely pass on dry ground to the other side—safely ahead of the onrushing Egyptian army.
         We would think that such a thing would be remembered forever!  How could anyone forget God parting the waters of the Red Sea or subsequently closing the same water on top of the Egyptians in pursuit?  Yet, Israel did forget.  In this context, we could speak of forgetfulness as living as though God did not exist.  We might call this functional atheism—though professing a belief in God, one can often live as if God did not exist.  Deuteronomy 6:12 issued a warning, “be careful that you do not forget the Lord.”  If you are reading these words, then it is probably fair to say that you do not want to forget the Lord.  But are good intentions enough?  We need to take some actions to ensure that we do not forget the Lord in our days.
         First, be mindful of your blessings.  Intentionally look at all the ways God has blessed you and what specifically He has done for you.   Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”  When we look for blessings, we are more inclined to remember the Lord who is the maker and giver of all blessings.  When we remember God’s blessings, we remember Him.  Second, speak with God.  It is not easy to forget those we speak with every day.  If too much time passes in your conversations with the Lord, your heart can easily grow cold and your mind forgetful toward Him.  Pray as often as you can. Talking with the Lord keeps you connected to and walking with Him.
         Third, keep some favorite Bible verses handy so you can remember the Lord.  You might post these on your refrigerator or the screen of your phone.  You might choose to post these on your social media accounts so you are reminded of the Lord when you read these words. Write them on a calendar or put them on a desk.  Keeping God’s Word visible and before you will help you to remember the God of the Word.  Fourth, be quick to seek God’s forgiveness.  Perhaps nothing leads us to forget about the Lord more than disobedience to Him.  We can get consumed by sin and disobedience to the point that we think little of God anymore if at all.  Israel often had moments in time where the nation slipped into idolatry and false religion.  They forgot about God and chose their ways above His.
         Finally, Psalm 63:6 says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”  If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep or even waking frequently through the night, use those occasions to think about the Lord.  Redeem that time.  Do not just roll restlessly in your bed, think about the Lord.  Talk with Him.  God works the night shift. There is never a time when God will push us away if we call upon His Name and choose to remember His many acts of goodness toward us.  A man or woman who remembers the Lord is usually a thankful person.  A grateful heart can remind us of the gift we have in knowing and walking with the Lord at all times and in all ways. Psalm 107:9 promises that God can satisfy the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things.  May we remember Him and return quickly when we have forgotten Him.  Have a great Monday!