SPIRITUAL AMNESIA

They forgot God their Savior,

Who had done great things in Egypt.

Psalm 106:21

Despite God's people having been captive for a time in Egypt, they saw the light of freedom. At first, their fleeing from Egypt to head for their homeland didn't seem so bad but a desert experience can wear thin. We should understand some of that after having spent time in our own deserts.

After a time, the people became impatient and disgruntled. At least in captivity they had some food to eat and water to drink but those things had become on the scarce side. Despite their complaining, God still took care of their basic needs. From a rock came water, from Heaven came manna and a little later, God sent meat for them to eat. Still, no matter what God did in providing and protecting, the people continued with their attitudes of ingratitude and disrespect.

Scripture tells us that those same people who had been grateful for their impending freedom from Egypt, actually forgot God, the God who had been their Savior in every way. Not just in the wilderness, but God had done great things for them even while in Egypt. We might tend to be critical of them and their ignoring God's goodness toward them, but I wonder if we have a right to do so.

When I came across the above verse a few days ago and after knowing some of the plight of God's people both in Egypt as well as in the wilderness, I had to wonder how I've behaved toward God in my own wilderness days. I think one of the most difficult things we can undergo is feeling that others have forgotten us. That is one of the hardest things to endure. I've gone through some of that some years back but not as of late.

I have to wonder how God feels when we forget Him. We can get so busy with life, responsibilities, activities and even burdens. We have known the goodness of God like those folks back then hadn't. We now have a Savior Who died for us, not just provided for us. When we forget Him, we are the losers. Where we fail, He doesn't. He never forgets us for one single moment. Our remembering our God will come because of a close, living and loving relationship with Him.

Father, forgive my loss of memory when it comes to remembering You and all You do for me. I can't repay You for Your goodness but certainly can love and respect you more. Thank You for being such a presence in my life and to not forget Your constant presence. In Jesus' name...Amen