Today’s Truth

But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold (Psalm 106:13 NIV).

 

 

Friend to Friend

My daughter calls me Dory. She even gave me a small travel-sized tin for cotton swabs because Dory is on the lid. Think back to the adorable movie Finding Nemo. Yeah. That Dory. The optimistic, lovable blue fish-friend who struggles with short-term memory loss. Ahem.

I do forget things.

Regularly.

Where I put my keys. Why I was going upstairs. Who that person is. What I was talking about… mid-sentence.

Now, let’s pause for a reality update before you start sending me emails advising me to take ginkgo biloba, use essential oils or meet with a doctor… it’s more my personality than a brain function issue. I’m good, people. Just a bit forgetful and easily distracted.

But as I read Psalm 106, my heart is crushed and crumbles at the realization that I’m dangerously similar to the forgetful Israelites who experienced vibrant miracles from the God who leads His children through and delivers them from deep, dark waters.

They forgot the mercy of the holy hands that had snatched them from chains of oppression and bondage, lifted them from pits of depression and hopelessness, and restored them from brokenness and rebellion.

“We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known” (Psalm 106:6-8).

They forgot the God who called them His own. His chosen. His redeemed. His children.

They gave no thought to His miracles.

They forgot the God who provided and guided them.

“He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy, he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done,

and did not wait for his plan to unfold. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test” (Psalm 106:9-14).

They forgot the God who remembered His covenant.

They doubted. They grumbled.

They gave into carnal cravings.

They put God to the test.

Reading about the forgetful Israelites is like looking into the mirror of my soul and seeing my own forgetful heart.

Lord, I’m so sorry. Help me remember.

I want to be a woman who remembers God’s faithfulness and compassion… His miraculous power and intervention… His goodness, holiness, worthiness, mercy, and love. Are you with me?

Dory may be a cute movie character, but she’s not a cute soul-sister.

Today let’s be intentional to remember the greatness of God and live in response to His faithfulness and love.

 

Let’s Pray 

Faithful Lord, I’m sorry for my forgetfulness. Help me to live in responsive worship to the wonder of my salvation. Thank You for remembering Your promises and for being a Covenant Keeper, full of grace. Restore my soul-memory to give You constant thanks and praise.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Let’s Keep in Touch

June 30, 2023, Girlfriends in God is coming to a close. Thank you for linking arms with us in ministry for the past 17 years. We still want to share life with you! Click here to continue receiving devotions from Sharon Jaynes on Tuesdays. Click here to continue receiving devotions from Mary Southerland on Wednesdays. Click here to continue receiving devotions from Gwen Smith on Thursdays.

 

Now It’s Your Turn  

What have you forgotten lately?

Spend some time in personal prayer and confession. Then let’s pray together today. Meet us in the comments section to share your heart and pray for one another.

 

More from the Girlfriends

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© 2023 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.

5 Responses to “Sometimes I Forget”

  1. Sheila says:

    Morning Gwen
    This devotion rang a bell with me. I am that person that is quick to start grumbling and complaining I forget my prayers that God has answered and all the other things that is promised to us. I pray today that I will give him all the praise and glory.

    Blessings

  2. Melissa says:

    I found GIG after my marriage was ending. I was struggling and frustrated. I swore I was going to be able to make my marriage last, but truly it takes two. Over the last few years, GIG helped me through hard days as a single mom of three trying to work full time. I had anger and bitterness. God has helped me heal and He brought a new person into my life. When I read that GIG was coming to a close my heart felt crushed. Then I saw the date it’s ending. The day before my wedding. Instantly, I heard God say to my heart, “You are starting a new page in life and I’ve got this. I brought GIG into your life when you needed it. That page of life is over now.” I pray for each of you and thank God for the way He uses you to spiritually strengthen others. Thank you for this ministry that you’ve given to and I know you will continue to individually serve God in whatever form He calls you to serve in.

    • Avatar photo Gwen Smith says:

      Wow, Melissa! What a beautiful reminder of just how personal and compassionate the Lord is with His children. Thanks for sharing this and for doing life with us! Praying for your new page now!

      Gwen

  3. Lisa says:

    I am in bed with a crummy bug that my husband decided to share with me!I was very sick about a month ago and got better.But here we go again.Unfortunately we are currently estranged from our daughter as she is in a new relationship with a woman.She wants us to give up our faith views or we are out.Doesn’t want to be Christian’s in any way.I think all this is just doing a number on my health.Praying that I will feel healthy and strong soon.

  4. Kellie says:

    Thank you for the many years of devotionals. Sometimes God used His Word and these devotionals to speak directly to my life situation. I’ve been so blessed through the years and want to thank you for the considerable sacrifices made to encourage your readers. There have been many times I’ve read the devotional to my husband because it was crazy how it matched what I was going through and spoke wisdom into the situation. Thanks for letting God use you in this way!❤️

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"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well…" 1 Thessalonians 2:8