Memory Lapse That You Regret!

Pastor Johnny Willis

Do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments. --Deuteronomy 8:11

How I wish I could forget the day I forgot I was in a funeral procession! That's right! I was leading the family to the grave side after giving the eulogy. I had another funeral in a little over an hour. I was so focused on where I had to be next I forgot where I was. I couldn't figure out why the car in front of me was going so slow. You guessed it, I pulled around and started to pass then it hit me. I pulled up alongside of the funeral director, pointed down at his tires and gave him a "thumbs up" then fell back in line.

It wasn't the first time my memory had let me down. I've drawn embarrassing blanks on other things, such as telephone numbers and parking places. Then there were those times I had to introduce friends and business associates but couldn't come up with their names. Those occasions were more unsettling than going to the store and forgetting what I was supposed to buy. That happens often--but I can't remember the last time.

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses reminded the Israelites repeatedly that they were prone to forget God. He told them that when times got better they would forget what the Lord had done for them when times were bad. He wanted to caution them that the luxury of prosperity could make it easy to forget how dependent they were on the Lord at all times. They needed to realize that without the strength God provided they couldn't even raise their food to their mouths.

Moses' instruction also applies to us. We must keep remembering what God has done for us, praising Him for what He has given us, and thanking Him for His forgiveness. But above all, the Lord Himself is worth remembering just for who He is.

God Bless!!!

Pastor Johnny Willis