While reading 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, I remembered the many ups and downs about God’s people. From worshipping idols, to grumbling, to disobedience, I asked the Lord how could they forget what you had done? Then the Spirit reminded me AGAIN that I am no different than the Children of Israel. I, too, had forgotten about the open doors. We have all experienced anxiety and worry when faced with life’s hardships and tribulations. Maybe you as well have forgotten the many ways that God has made and His provisions. Today, I’d like us to explore the question, “How Can I Forget?”.
When you and I read the Old Testament, it is imperative for us to remember that it was written for our learning, for us to see the mistakes that Israel made, and for us to learn from their sins. So, when we dissect Judges 8:33-35, we might ask, “How Can I Forget?”. These verses say, “As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. They forgot the LORD their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. Nor did they show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon), despite all the good he had done for Israel.” In these verses, we see that they had forgotten God and His laws or simply ignored them, or they didn’t hold God in first place in their hearts. Once the family patriarch dies in your family, will you not show loyalty to God? If everything is well, will you forget God? Since God has been better than good to us, why do we act as though he has not done anything for us when life becomes challenging?
“How Can I Forget?” Psalm 103:2-4 reminds us, “Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.”
When you and I analyze our lives, we can see that God is the only one who has never left our side. He is the faithful God. God was and remains our stronghold in the face of life’s storms. He is our friend. You and I are not alone. Jesus walks with us every step of the way. Regardless of life’s ups and downs, the silence of God, or the I just don’t know moments, I urge you to turn to God and never forget all that He has done.
Let’s Pray: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always here with us. Thank you that even if we forget about all of your benefits, you are still trustworthy and gracious to us. Lord, for that we thank you. Forgive us Lord when we get biblical amnesia, and we forget that if you brought us through the fire before then you are the same God who can do it again. Lord, touch our minds to remember and to never forget that you have done great things for us. Help us to always remember that our hope is in you and in you alone! In Jesus’ name. Amen