January 23, 2020
There Are Times I Forget
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
They did not remember your many kindnesses. (Psalm 106:7)
Friend to Friend
My daughter calls me Dory. She even gave me a small travel sized tin for cotton swabs because Dory is on the lid. Think back to the adorable movie Finding Nemo. Yeah. That Dory. The adorably lovable blue fish-friend who struggles with short-term memory loss. Ahem.
I do forget things.
Regularly.
Where I put my keys. Why I was going upstairs. Who that person is. What I was talking about... mid-sentence…
Now, let’s pause for a reality update before you start sending me emails advising me to take ginkgo biloba, use essential oils or meet with a doctor... it’s more my personality than a brain function issue. I’m good, people. Just a bit forgetful and easily distracted.
But as I read Psalm 106, my heart is crushed and crumbles at the realization that I’m dangerously similar to the forgetful Israelites who experienced vibrant miracles from the God who leads His children through and delivers them from deep, dark waters.
They forgot the tenderness of the Hands that had snatched them from chains of oppression and bondage, lifted them from pits of depression and hopelessness, and restored them from brokenness and rebellion.
We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;
we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
7 When our ancestors were in Egypt,
they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,
and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea
8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
to make his mighty power known.
They forgot the God who called them His own. His chosen. His redeemed. His children.
They forgot the God who provided and guided.
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
he led them through the depths as through a desert.
10 He saved them from the hand of the foe;
from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
11 The waters covered their adversaries;
not one of them survived.
12 Then they believed his promises
and sang his praise.
13 But they soon forgot what he had done
and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
14 In the desert they gave in to their craving;
in the wilderness they put God to the test.
The forgot the God who remembered His covenant. They doubted. They grumbled.
They gave into carnal cravings. They put God to the test.
Reading about the forgetful Israelites is like looking into the mirror of my soul and seeing my own forgetful heart.
Lord, forgive me. Help me to remember.
I want to be a woman who lives like she remembers God’s faithfulness and compassion... His power and intervention... His goodness, holiness, worthiness and love. Are you with me?
Dory may be a cute movie character, but she’s not a cute soul-sister.
Today I will remember the greatness of God and live in response to His faithfulness and love.
Let’s Pray
Faithful Lord, Please forgive my forgetfulness. Help me to live in responsive worship to the wonder of my salvation. Thank You for remembering Your promises and for being a Covenant Keeper, full of grace. Restore my soul-memory to give constant thanks and praise.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Psalm 106. What stands out to you today?
Spend some time in prayer and confession.
More from the Girlfriends
Girlfriends in God cofounder Gwen Smith has several online Bible Study options that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word.
These inductive studies will help you know what God says about tender topics like forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, relationships and hope. Each study can be done in the comfort of your home and in a timeframe that fits with your personal schedule. Visit www.GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy to learn more.
PS. Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends as you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, fold laundry, run errands or travel.
Originally published Thursday, 23 January 2020.
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