Have you ever felt like you’re in a rut? Down in the dumps? In a funk? Whatever circumstance you are thinking of that has made you feel this way, I’ve been there! I know how discouraging it can be. Often times when I feel this way, and I stop reassess the situation, I realize that I am being discontent and ungrateful. So then comes the thought: “how do I get out of this rut?”

Taking a trip down memory lane is necessary. I think often times when we feel this way we have forgotten our history. We have forgotten where we’ve come from and all that God has done for us throughout our lives. To forget our story and neglecting to find God’s hand in it is to forget who we are and what our purpose is. It is to forget to have a heart of thankfulness for all that He has done – through the good times and bad.

Isn’t it crazy that we are so quick to forget? No wonder why remembering is talked about over and over in the bible. God knows our hearts and he knows that our human nature is to forget.

In Exodus, it talks about the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt. Moses was leading them and the Lord provided everything they needed to survive. I won’t go through the whole story, although I encourage you to read it!

Bear with me while I show you a few important points:

God first lead them through the desert with a cloud pillar during the day to provide shade and fire by night for light and warmth in Exodus 13:2-22. Shortly after that in Exodus 14:10-12, they’re complaining! They said “…you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? …it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

In Exodus 14:13-31, it tells of how God divided the sea and helped them cross it – how supernatural and fascinating! Shortly after, the Israelites are yet again, complaining in chapter 15:22-24 saying “what shall we drink?” Of course water is essential, but you would think that they wouldn’t worry since God has already brought them this far, right? Shortly after this, the Lord provides water.

In Exodus 16:2-3, the Israelites complained about being hungry. Shortly after this, the Lord provided Manna. Another supernatural gift to the Israelites to show them that God was there by their side.

Looking back at all of this, the Israelites are a great example of how not to act. Our attitude should be to thank God and praise Him for His provision – not find something else to complain about. This, I am guilty of!

When you fast forward to Deuteronomy, one significant theme is this: Remember! In chapter 4:9-10 it says ” Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.”

And if you read on to chapter 8, verses 10-18 say “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today…”

Do not forget.

“…otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud…”

When things seem to be going right, we can forget to thank God for the things He has blessed us with.

“…and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint.”

And you will forget.

“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Remember. 

Psalm 111:4 says “He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate.” Read the whole chapter – it is such an encouragement!

I have created this blog to be an encouragement to you and to show you God’s goodness through personal stories and to strive to be forever on the quest for all things beautiful and lovely in God’s creation.

Welcome!

Stay tuned for my next post for tips on practical ways to remember what He has done in your life.