We live in an interesting age. Some people need a cellphone because it has an app that helps them to find their car keys. Then, they need a landline to call their cellphone to find it!

On the other hand, I know a person who has just reached her hundredth birthday. She doesn't forget anything; she is as sharp as a tack, having instant recall. What a gift!

Trinity College, Dublin, released this interesting idea after extensive research: "We create countless memories as we live our lives but many of them we forget. Why? Counter to general assumption that memories simply decay with time, 'forgetting' might not be a bad thing — that is according to scientists who believe … we learn to forget some memories while retaining others that are important." – ScienceDaily.

This kind of forgetfulness can also lead to a forgetfulness of God. In an evening service, we had sung the opening song and were asked to close our songbooks. Then we were asked the name of the song that we had just sung. Not one person could call it to mind. It was a wake-up call to all of us.

Moses was aware of this tendency in his people. So, he reminds them repeatedly in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 8:11 – Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. (NIV)

Forgetting is a constant theme in the Bible.

Psalm 78:11-13 – They forgot what he had done. the wonders he had shown them. He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. He divided the sea and led them through; he made the water stand firm like a wall. (NIV)

The apostle Paul writes: "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV)

My constant prayer is that I will never forget God's Word, and I hope that that is your prayer, too.

Now, what was I going to input next? Oh, yes! I forgot — the closing prayer!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, forgive us for allowing the life that You gave us to lead us to forgetting You. We know that spiritual amnesia can set in quickly, covering the eyes of our hearts. We come to You now with gratitude and thanksgiving as we remember all that You have done for us. Help us never to forget Your Word, that we might not sin against You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Stephen French <sfrench3@telus.net>
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
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