“Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me.” Psalm 103:2 NLT
“People more likely forget what they should remember and remember what they could forget.”
My thoughts today are about “forgetfulness.”
I have learned this about forgetfulness. Without diligence, any one of us can forget even the best of things done for us. The less time or intention to think about things now past, the easier it is to forget even what you thought you never could. Forgetfulness is more a matter of omission than commission, isn’t it? A person is more likely to forget what they should remember and remember what they could forget. I want to remember kindnesses not the disappointments, the regard not the disregard, the helpfulness not the hurt. Sometimes I need help to do that.
Everyone benefits from Godly reminders along the way. My wife, Gayle, is thoughtful and kind enough to remind me of family birthdays and anniversaries. She knows I would not mean to forget those occasions for people dear to me, but I may need reminders. Charlotte, my secretary of many years, keeps me aware of friends and church families who have special needs or special days for an occasional call or contact. She knows I would not knowingly overlook them, and do not want to do so unintentionally. Forgetfulness occurs even when you do not intend to forget.
Have you heard of self-talk? Everyone talks with themselves on occasion, preferably not aloud. Self-talk is what you tell yourself when no one else is listening. Inwardly, you talk your way through decisions and plans before they’re made, except sadly enough, for the ones you don’t. Self-talk is the normal and useful process of contemplation, thinking, reflection, and musings – not all of which are positive. Your mind is creative; use it well and wisely. Consider Psalm 1:1-3 NIV.
It is easy to rehearse your complaints, or practice your criticism, or convince yourself of slights and oversights. Any benefit to that? Not really. I think the Psalms are largely the outworking of David inwardly processing his struggles, fears, regrets, heartache, hopes, aspirations, and intentions. And now, centuries later, we share his ruminations and learn from his intrapersonal reflections. See Psalm 19:14 NKJV.
King David, older and wiser, wrote, “Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me.” Psalm 103:2 NLT. Never forget the good things God and others contribute to your life. Read on in Psalm 103 as David recalls “all the benefits” not to be forgotten – forgiven iniquities, healed diseases, life preserved, crowned with lovingkindness, satisfied with good things, and youth and strength renewed. Read Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV. That is how you remember what you must not forget.
My prayer for you today is to rehearse the mercies, favor, and provision of God to you.