Spiritual Forgetfulness

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all

that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and

forget not all His benefits.

Psalm 103:1,2

No matter your age, do you sometimes have a problem remembering where you put something? My age has nothing to do with it so I can't blame the years I've racked up. I have learned if I can't find my car keys, to always check the refrigerator. Once, several years ago, I found an important file folder the the freezer of the refrigerator. What about forgetting where you parked your car? I left a hospital one night after being there on official business for the agency I worked for and thought I knew where I parked Brian's small, blue-green Ford Escort. There were some lights in the parking lot but even with them, I unfortunately came across 6 of the same car parked in different places on the lot. I couldn't believe it. All I could do was try my key in each of the car doors. Forgetfulness that night wasn't the problem.

I have a problem remembering names, especially last names but that's always been a problem for me. We have moved so many times that my acquaintances would go into the hundreds. I envy some of my high school friends who have lived in our hometown all their lives where they know everyone by name and have established a memory base that is enviable.

It was a blessing during the month of November reading on Face book all of the things folks listed that they were thankful for. The lists went from family members to friends, circumstances to materials things. I may not know many of the folks mentioned but I love the spirit with which this process was done.

I, like those folks, find that there are things I want to remember and never forget when it comes to life experiences and the wonderful people who have been such an influence on me. However, there are things that have to do with my faith that I don't ever want to forget, blessed things of God I always want to remember.

To help me with this process, several years ago, I began journaling. It wasn't an unusual thing for me to do. My mother used to purchase small purse size date books. Everyday in each square, she made note of the weather for a given day. If she had cleaned someone's house, she would put the persons name and what she was paid. She, on rare occasions wrote poetry, much of which she gave to me when I was in college. Most people wouldn't know anything about the writer in my Mother, but I believe she would have loved to do more with it than she did. I believe even now, she has a part in everything I write as she inspired me to write. I don't want to forget that.

All of us have people...neighbors, folks at church, school teachers...who had strong influences on us. Those people won't know until Heaven how they helped launch us into the interests, careers or spiritual endeavors we enjoy today. Many of their names I have listed in a journal as they have come to my mind...Mrs. Crowell, my piano teacher, Ruth Young who first recruited me into teaching in Bible School. I said I couldn't do it but she told me I could and I did. I guess I've been teaching ever since. I think of the many pastors who faithfully preached the Word of God week after week to me and others. I can't remember a single sermon title right off hand but I know that through their preaching and teaching, my life was consistently being changed and renewed...I learned and I grew.

I could list more and so could you. It doesn't hurt us to walk down yesterday's road with grateful hearts for those who have meant so much, who in some cases labored at great personal expense to help us get where we are. However, none of it would have been possible unless it had been made possible by the deep and abiding love of God for each of us.

We may forget the goodness of others in our lives, careers, even family events but I never want to forget all that God, my Heavenly Father has poured into my life. I wonder how often any of us take moments to remember not just the big things He's done, but so many of the small, seemingly miniscule things He orchestrated in our lives. If we were to be robbed of any access to God's Word, how much of Scripture could you and I recite to ourselves. We've all had wonderful answers to prayer through life. How many of those have we jotted down or can bring to recall.

The Scripture verses I have noted above are not friendly suggestions. Both verses are commands. With everything in us, we are to bless God's holy name, but it's the second verse that really convicts me. I'm commanded to NOT forget all the benefits God has brought into my life. I would have to spend a lifetime in listing all of the ways God has provided for and protected me. The times He has led me where He wanted me to go are countless. Answers to prayer?...too many to count. What about the times I've spent in His Word and the Holy Spirit spoke to me and taught me things I could never have understood on my own? There have been those times when God was especially near during those times of real duress and concern....what would I have done without Him.

We dare not forget His benefits, not because of any threat, but because in remembering God's goodness in our lives, we are blessed and encouraged. When offended...remember His benefits. When depressed...remember His benefits. I would dare say that anyone working for an employer in this day could tell you in a matter of a few short minutes, the benefits that are his/hers that came with the job. There would be insurance coverage, retirement, sick days, etc. Think of God's benefits in our lives that we don't bother to even think of, those general ones for all of us to enjoy and yes, benefit from:

• We own a personal copy of God's Word
• We have the opportunity of worshiping in the church of our choice
• We can pray and be heard by the very God of the universe
• If a born again Christian, we have the Holy Spirit residing in us
• At this point, we have freedom of religion in our country
• Through our Father, we have Christian friends with whom we share kindred spirits
• God provides for our every need
• An eternal home in Heaven awaits us

I dare not list more or I'll end up having a happy spell. It is mind boggling how God has loaded us down with benefits. May we never lapse into spiritual forgetfulness. Our Heavenly Father doesn't forget us for one single second.

Since a young girl, I have seen so often, sitting in front of our local VFW a sculpture of a fallen soldier in sitting position. Just under the soldier on the base, I believe it says “Lest we forget.” May you and I never forget all God has done for us from sacrificing His Son Jesus to sending His Holy Spirit to abide in us for a lifetime....”forget not all His benefits.”

Thank You Father, for Your love, care and every other benefit in my life. I love being loved by You, a love that is unconditional and consistent. I praise Your name today and never want to forget Your goodness in my life that I just don't deserve. I know I'm just a sinner saved by Your wonderful grace. I love You. Amen.