Memory Mishaps

Dear Kids,

Deuteronomy 6:12. “…watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord.”

My short term memory is very short. I have been known to run down to the basement to get something, only to stop in the middle of my search to scour my mind for the reason I went down. Often it is necessary for me to run back upstairs to jar my brain as to my purpose for the trip. I have even recently called everyone to look for the peanut butter jar that I misplaced only to be told that I was holding it in my hand. We laugh about my recollection foibles, but truly it is very frustrating.

I have learned to compensate for my retention deficiencies by writing everything down. I keep lists and lists of passwords, phone numbers, and even peoples’ names so that I have a backup if my memory fails me. I post notes on prominent windows and walls as well as the dashboard of the car to help me remember.

Though there are some people with “steel trap” minds, most have a few issues when it comes to the memory department. God knows this about the human race and that is why He tells us over and over again to remember His words and all the things He has done for us. He understands better than we do the pitfalls our tendency for amnesia will create.

In Deuteronomy He tells the children of Israel to keep His words on their hearts. They were to teach them to their children and to talk about them when they sat, when they walked, when they lay down, and when they rose up. He even tells them to bind His words on their hand & foreheads and to write them on their doorposts and gates. He instituted feasts and celebrations all for the purpose of remembering His great name and the wondrous works He had done for them.

There is a great danger in forgetting the Lord God. When He blesses we can be tempted to say proudly, “My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.”  But by remembering Him we will understand that “it is He who is giving the power to make wealth,” and we will give Him the glory. This constant reminder will keep us on the path of obedience that brings God’s favor and blessing.

It’s not a big deal if we have to run back down to the basement to get what we have forgotten, but if we forget the One who loves us, we bring sadness to our Savior and heartache to us. So watch yourself, write sticky notes, tie a string around your finger, or do whatever you need to do so that you do not forget the Lord and what He has done for you.