Remember All

There is a saying that the older we get, the wiser we become. What people often fail to mention, however, is that our minds can also become less sharp. We forget where we placed things, the names of people we once knew, and sometimes even what we were about to say. We grow older, yet our minds can fail us when we need them most. 

However, there is another kind of forgetfulness that can be even more dangerous. It happens when we achieve the things we once desired: a better job, a promotion, the house of our dreams, or a trip to a place we always wanted to visit. At first, we are grateful and excited. But over time, those blessings become ordinary, and eventually, we forget how much we once longed for them. Instead of remembering what we have, our minds begin to focus on what we do not have, and dissatisfaction takes root in our hearts.

King David experienced such a moment in his life, and it had serious consequences for both him and his family. Before becoming king, David was a young shepherd who cared for his father's sheep and desired to do God's will. Throughout his life, he experienced God's powerful hand leading him—from the fields to the throne, from battles to victories, and eventually to becoming a powerful ruler.

But after some time, David became idle, and his heart chose to follow his own desires rather than God's will. He committed adultery and murder, and God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him through a parable.

David's first reaction was anger toward the rich man in the story who had taken the only lamb of a poor man. Yet he did not realize that the story was about him until Nathan declared, "You are the man!"

Nathan reminded David of all that God had given him: the throne, the kingdom, victories over his enemies, and so much more. God had blessed David abundantly, yet David chose to do evil in His sight. How terrible it is when we forget the goodness of God and allow our hearts to become consumed with what we still desire.

There is security and peace in learning to be content with what we have. God calls us to be thankful, but to remain thankful, we must intentionally remind ourselves of His blessings.

David eventually learned this lesson and wrote:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."
Psalm 103:2

Let us remind ourselves daily of all God's benefits—first and foremost, the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and everything we have received through Him. Everything else we receive is an added blessing.

Do not forget what God has done for you.