ODJ: remind me

June 6, 2013 

READ: Deuteronomy 8:1-6 

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us (Psalm 78:2-3).

I’ve always needed to be reminded of things, but latelythe problem has reached critical mass. A cycling accident left me with a temporary black eye andnot-so-temporary short-term memory loss.

Recently my daughter found a hot iron plugged in long after I had left the house. On another occasion the sink overflowed when I forgot I was doing the dishes. I constantly forget where I park my car, or the fact that I didn’t drive my car at all that day, and that’s why I can’t find it.

Some days I forget entire conversations that others tell me I was a part of. (Admittedly, this does have an upside.) The problem has underscored my need to create coping mechanisms, such as making extensive lists. Of course, then I forget where I left my notebook.

Faulty memory is a part of life in this fallen world. “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed,” declared noted 18th century English author Samuel Johnson. I see a distinct spiritual application in Dr. Johnson’s wisdom.

God knows all about our inherent memory problems, and so He gave us a good corrective—the Bible. One book in particular emphasises the need to remember. It’s the book of Deuteronomy, which has been described as a “repetition of the law”. In Moses’ farewell address to the people he had led for 40 years, he often used the words “remember” and “don’t forget” (Deuteronomy 8:2,11,15,18). He knew the people were aware of the law. And he knew they would forget it. So before he died, Moses re-emphasised God’s goodness and the wisdom in His commands.

We’re prone to the same forgetfulness as the ancient Israelites were. Reading God’s Word frequently, asking for His help and learning from wise counsellors aren’t mere coping mechanisms. They’re the way to thrive.—Tim Gustafson

› Luke 1:5-25

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Psalm 78 is Asaph’s song recalling all that Godhad done for His people. How do verses 1-8 provide both a hopeand a warning? 
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What reminds you of God’s faithfulness? What devices, habits or rituals could you use to keep His commands in mind?