Spiritual Memory Loss
It’s happening. I turned 50 on my last birthday and now my memory is slipping. I forget what I’ve told to which family member and can’t remember where I laid my cell phone.
It’s happening. I turned 50 on my last birthday and now my memory is slipping. See there!
All kidding aside, my memory really isn’t what it used to be. When I was in my thirties I didn’t even use a calendar. I simply remembered events, birthdays, places, and times.
Forgetting the time of my dentist appointment is a small thing. I can handle that easily with the calendar and alarm on my cell phone (if I can remember where I left it). But I also tend to forget the activity and blessings of God in my life. Recently, a Jewish patriarch reminded me of this spiritual short-coming.
In Genesis chapter 12, we read how Abram and his wife, Sarai left Canaan for Egypt to escape a severe famine. You may know the story. Because of Sarai’s beauty, Abram asked her to pretend to be his sister. Abram didn’t want any lustful Egyptian to kill him for his gorgeous spouse.
Well, Pharaoh himself spotted Sarai and took her into his house. Thankfully God intervened. He put a stop to all the shenanigans by bringing “great plagues” on Pharaoh and his house. When Pharaoh discovered the deception he returned Abram’s wife and sent them safely on their way.
Abram had failed to trust God with the situation, but still God protected them. I’m sure Abram took note of God’s loving and powerful activity on their behalf.
Fast forward twenty years or so. Abram and Sarai are now “Abraham” and Sarah.” Guess what happened when Abraham and his nomadic family moved close to King Abimelech. Afraid of the powerful ruler, Abraham once again fabricated a tale to protect himself. And although this lie was technically a half-truth (Sarah was his half-sister, Genesis 20:12), Abraham’s actions reveal two things. First, he did not trust God to work in the situation and second, he had a short memory regarding God’s previous activity in his life.
I find it quite easy to point out spiritual flaws in biblical characters so Abraham’s story generated quick criticism. “How could Abraham fall again to the same temptation? God protected him before!”
But then God reminded me that He preserved this record as an example for me. I should learn from Abraham’s story. So, I must confess: I also have spiritual memory loss. I tend to forget the wonderful works of God in my life. I don’t remember all His incredible blessings. If I did, I would live differently today. I would trust Him more. I would rest more fully in His provision.
What about you? Do you remember or like me, do you have spiritual memory loss? What are some ways we can remember what God has done so we don’t make the same mistakes again?
We need to hide God’s Word deep inside our heart, never forget.
Denise, you are so right. I work to do that. Unfortunately, the older I get the more work it takes to memorize!
I too often have spiritual memory loss. When times are tough, I forget Who saw me through the last time. I really need to start journaling my journey; maybe I will then not forget so often.