Don’t Forget God - Martin Wiles

But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands. Deuteronomy 8:11 NLT

Forgetting can be embarrassing and aggravating. 

There was a time when memorizing things, names, and events came easily. Having a college professor who required memorizing longs lists of answers for numerous questions wasn’t a problem. In spite of having a good memory, I’ve always carried several calendars. 

Then I turned 40, and life changed. Names were the first thing to go. I began looking at people I’d known for years and forgetting their last names—and sometimes their first. I still record scheduled events, birthdays, anniversaries, and a “to do” list on several calendars—the difference was now I needed to. These memory lapses disturb me, but I’ve accepted it as a part of aging. 

God’s Old Testament followers had a tendency to forget as well, but it wasn’t due to age. They normally forgot because they turned their attention to something else—often idol worship. Or because things were going so well they didn’t see the need of God anymore. So God cautioned them to be careful. 

Forgetting God is never something I intend to do, but it happens just the same. If things go too well in my life, I begin thinking I have life under control and can handle anything that comes my way. 

So God sends or allows a little adversity to remind me I can’t handle life without him—at least not without messing it up. Things can easily distract me: relationships, material things, hobbies, sports, substances, etc. 

When distracted, I’m more apt to focus on the distraction than on the God who wants my undivided attention. Taking precautions is necessary if I’m to continuously remember to focus on God and obey his commands. God is behind every success I enjoy, and he will see me through every adversity I encounter. 

Don’t forget God along life’s journey.

Prayer: Father, may we never forget loving and serving You are the most important things in our lives. 

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