I think most of us can probably relate to the saying when it rains, it pours. My month seems to back up this saying. It has been a month of attacks because it has been a month of standing on the promises of God. The more I believe, the more attacks come against the manifestation of those promises. I am not going to lie; standing firm is getting hard.
So, when my car started having its second issue this month, the feeling of defeat started. As I was allowing myself to feel this way, I heard a portion of the song Good God Almighty come across my mind. It was the part that says I get amnesia, I forget that You keep coming around yeah, ain’t no way You’ll ever let me down. How quickly I forget that God has never failed me. He has come through for me in incredible ways throughout my life. For example, a few years ago, my car was totaled when a truck came into my lane and hit my jeep. What seemed like a bad situation turned into a series of miracles.
First, a car was given to me within a day, next the insurance company gave me a generous amount for my jeep, and then that money was almost exactly enough to pay off my credit card debt. Within a week, I had a free car, and I was debt-free! All from a situation; that started badly. But when another difficult situation faces me, I forget about this miracle in my past.
The Israelites Needed to Remember
We can see the effects of forgetting displayed through the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. They are constantly back and forth between knowing God is mighty and then forgetting; and turning to other gods or grumbling about their needs.
Exodus 15 begins with a song of praise to God about the deeds he did against the Egyptians. Awe for God and his power filled their hearts. They had just seen his deliverance and their song spoke of what he would do for his people in the future. In contradiction, chapter 16 starts with their grumbling about having nothing to drink because the water was bitter. Exodus tells us that these events were three days apart. It took three days for them to forget that God was taking care of them.
I Need to Remember
I hate to admit that I am just as bad as the Israelites, but I am. One day I am singing the praises of God, so thankful for what I have seen him do, and the next day I am struggling with human doubts and wondering how a situation is ever going to turn around. Since God knew this was something that the Israelites were prone to, he commanded them to hold festivals to him to remind them that he was their deliver and give him the honor he was due. Likewise, we need to be proactive about remembering the great acts of God.
Why Should We Remember?
Psalms 77:11 states, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of long ago. When we take the time to remember the wonders of long ago, we remember who God is. Those times when he has taken care of a bill or sent unexpected money, we see that he is Jehovah-Jireh (Genesis 22:14), The God who will Provide. When we look back on a time when healing has occurred, we remember that God is Jehovah Rapha; The God who heals (Exodus 15:26). Or perhaps we remember those times when he kept us in peace when our world came crashing down around us; then we knew that he is Jehovah Shalom; The Lord is Peace (Philippians 4:7).
Knowing who God has been to us in the past reminds us of who God will be in the present and future. He stays the same (Malachi 3:6). His nature is what makes him trustworthy. When we remember who he is, we can have an assurance that he will never fail us. Remembering is the key to staying focused on the faithfulness of God when the devil tries to do his worst. Remember every time you noticed where God came through for you.
Referenced Verses:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+16&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+77%3A11&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22%3A14&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15%3A26&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A7&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+3%3A6&version=NIV
Cori says
I love this! Because it rings so true in my life too! Oh, how we forget what he has done for us. I found that the more I am in his word the more I remember the things he has done. I journal a lot too and I go back and reread my journal entries which also helps in remembering. Great post!
carrie says
I love the idea of keeping a journal to remember! I definitely need to write everything down in one place so I can look back on things I may forget! Glad you enjoyed this peace and God used it to speak to you!
Naturally Free says
God is all mighty and powerful. He is the same today, tomorrow and always. Many can relate to this post and the struggles in staying strong. The most important thing is to remain fixated on God and not your problems. Keep up the good work.
carrie says
So very true! Staying fixated on God instead of our problems is absolutely key!
Natasha says
This is so very true! What a great reminder!
carrie says
Glad it was a helpful reminder for you!
Shelley says
Thank you for sharing these important reminders. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget these things.
carrie says
So true! Glad they were helpful to you!
Justin says
This definitely is true. We often do not understand, but God had a plan!
carrie says
He definitely does!
Keith White says
I truly love your blog you have such insight for someone so young. Keep it up sister.
carrie says
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support!