How often we forget things. How easily we forget – sometimes too easily. We walk into a room and forget why. We go to the store and forget what we needed. We forget pieces of a conversation with a friend. And unfortunately, we forget what God has taught and shown us.
What do we do to help ourselves remember things? Write it down. Repeat it out loud to memorize it. Ask someone to help us remember, to keep us accountable.
Do we do this with God’s word? Reading it daily. Meditating on it and repeating it out loud to help memorize it. Going to church. Fellowshipping with believers. Getting creative by singing the verses. Sharing them with a friend. Again and again in God’s word He reminds us to not forget.
In Deuteronomy as God taught his laws and decrees: “Be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9 “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day.” Deuteronomy 8:11
When the Israelites were sent into exile because they turned to their own ways, forgetting about God and choosing to do what they wanted: “Do not forget the covenant I made with you, and do not worship other gods.” 2 Kings 17:38
In Proverbs as Solomon instructs us in God’s wisdom: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.” Proverbs 3:1 “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.” Proverbs 4:5
And in Hebrews and James, as God continues to teach us His righteousness: “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is please.” Hebrews 13:16 “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25
A hymn keeps coming to mind as I write this: Lead Me to Calvary (by Jennie Evelyn Hussey)
“King of my life I crown Thee now – Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary. Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony, Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.”