I forget. A lot. While my brain is better than it was just a few years ago, I still forget things. If I don’t write it down and that note in a visible place, chances are pretty good that I won’t remember.

I use a few tools to help with my memory. Evernote has been a life-saver on more than one occasion. I am able to share notes with others and it helps me to stay on task.

My phone is another way to keep track of things. It alerts me when I have an appointment. I am able to write notes for myself. I even text myself.

With all of these useful tools, you’d think I’d never forget anything right? I wish. There are still times when I forget to do something.

I also have a bad habit of forgetting about God. I don’t use the tools mentioned above to think about God through the day. So I must ask myself, why 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.

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.

I will honestly strive to remember God throughout my day today. If needed, I will go in search for an app that will help me. But really, this shouldn’t be that difficult. 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