June 9, 2023
Sometimes I Forget
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold (Psalm 106:13 NIV).
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 optimistic, 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 mercy of the holy 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. 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. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known” (Psalm 106:6-8).
They forgot the God who called them His own. His chosen. His redeemed. His children.
They gave no thought to His miracles.
They forgot the God who provided and guided them.
“He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy, he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done, and did not wait for his plan to unfold. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test” (Psalm 106:9-14).
They 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, I’m so sorry. Help me remember.
I want to be a woman who remembers God’s faithfulness and compassion… His miraculous power and intervention… His goodness, holiness, worthiness, mercy, and love. Are you with me?
Dory may be a cute movie character, but she’s not a cute soul-sister.
Today let’s be intentional to remember the greatness of God and live in response to His faithfulness and love.
Let’s Pray
Faithful Lord, I’m sorry for 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 You constant thanks and praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Let's Keep in Touch
June 30, 2023, Girlfriends in God is coming to a close. Thank you for linking arms with us in ministry for the past 17 years. We still want to share life with you! Click here to continue receiving devotions from Sharon Jaynes on Tuesdays. Click here to continue receiving devotions from Mary Southerland on Wednesdays. Click here to continue receiving devotions from Gwen Smith on Thursdays.
Now It’s Your Turn
What have you forgotten lately?
Spend some time in personal prayer and confession. Then let’s pray together today. Meet us in the comments section to share your heart and pray for one another.
More from the Girlfriends
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© 2023 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
Originally published Friday, 09 June 2023.
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