Ever feel like your mind is a cluttered desk, overflowing with sticky notes and to-do lists? We’re told the secret to a clear mind is simple: “Stop trying to remember—write it down.” But if you’re like me, you jot things down only to forget where you put the note. Even the most important things can slip from memory if we’re not intentional about revisiting them.
The Bible understands this about us. God knows our tendency to forget, which is why the Scriptures are filled with urgent calls to remember. He built reminders into the very fabric of Israel’s life—Passover in the Old Testament, the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament. These weren’t just for the people who lived through the miracles, but for every generation that followed.
“Then take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
(Deuteronomy 6:12)
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—”
(Deuteronomy 4:9)
God’s people saw wonders: manna from heaven, water from the rock, clothes that never wore out. Their parents witnessed plagues, parted seas, and the defeat of Pharaoh’s army. Yet, Moses warned them: even after all this, you will forget—unless you choose to remember.
How often have we promised ourselves, “I’ll never forget this,” only to realize, months or years later, that the memory has faded? It’s easy to look at the Israelites and wonder how they could forget after seeing so much. But we have something even greater—a completed Bible, the living Word of God—yet we, too, need constant reminders.
C. S. Lewis put it plainly:
“We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed.”
Samuel Johnson said, and Lewis echoed:
“People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.”
When we neglect to remember God and His mercies—whether as individuals, families, or nations—we drift. The book of Judges sums it up:
“The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God…”
(Judges 3:7)
So, how do we fight spiritual amnesia? Here are five practical steps to remember God daily:
- Reflect on the cross and your salvation
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) - Consider God’s mercies, new every morning
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23) - Recognize God as sovereign over every outcome
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) - Acknowledge God’s grace in your weakness and strength
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) - Stop worrying and start seeking the kingdom
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
We don’t remember by accident. We remember on purpose—by returning to the cross, marveling at new mercies, trusting God’s sovereignty, leaning on His grace, and seeking His kingdom above all.
Don’t let your faith fade into the background noise of life. Choose today to remember. Open your Bible. Write down what God has done. Tell your children. Share it with a friend. Feed your soul with the reminders you need—because what you remember shapes who you become.
Let’s be people who never stop remembering.
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