Why is it that even though I continually see God’s faithfulness and blessings in my life, I still succumb so easily to doubt? When the going gets tough, I can find myself unsteady and unsure, wavering in my belief in God’s promises. This situation just seems too big, too hard. I’m not sure God can handle this one for me. The truth is, I need to work on my memory!

In the book of Exodus, we see the story of one of the most miraculous events of all times. Waters of a huge sea separate, leaving dry ground for thousands of God’s people to walk through as they flee from slavery in Egypt. Then, as the enemy army rushes in behind them, the waters return to their normal course and the army is drowned in the sea. What an amazing act by God! His people are in awe of His great power and sing a song of praise to Him.

“I will sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and the rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation,” they sing. (Exodus 15:1b-2a) Their song of God’s love and redemption continues for eighteen verses. 

But their celebration does not last long. Three days later, the people are grumbling because they don’t like the taste of the water where they are. The people are gloriously happy when things are going their way. But as soon as the road gets a little rough, they instantly turn. 

Psalm 106 says, “But they soon forgot his works, they did not wait for his counsel. (13) They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt…and awesome deeds by the Red Sea (21). ..having no faith in His promise (24).

They forgot, and they lost faith. 

How could they do that? we ask. Yet how many times do I do the same thing? When trials or struggles come my way, I get anxious or start complaining. I get bogged down in a problem and completely forget about how God got me through a difficult time just yesterday! How quickly I lose sight of God’s goodness.

Forgetfulness equals doubt. Remembering God’s past faithfulness extinguishes the fire of doubt.

Maybe that is why David fills his psalms with all of the great deeds God has done, both in his own life and in his ancestors’ throughout history. He doesn’t want to forget. And in times when he feels down, he reminds himself of God’s goodness in the past to spur himself on to face the future.

”He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.” Psalm 18:17

“He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved.”  Psalm 47:3-4

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” Psalm 71:17

Again and again and again David sings of the wonderful things God has done. I wonder why I don’t make more of an effort to remember. I wonder why I don’t journal or record the good things God is doing in my life on a daily basis. It takes too long; it’s too much trouble.

I wonder why as Christians, our conversation doesn’t focus more on the ways we see God at work in our lives. Why aren’t we sharing stories of His goodness? We would rather talk about the weather, politics, or our problems. I don’t want to get too personal!

The enemy doesn’t want us to remember or talk about God’s faithfulness. He would rather our memories be muddled so we live in fear and doubt. 

This past week, the high school students at our school went on a retreat at a nearby camp to kick off our school year.  When addressing the students about the upcoming year, our principal shared several stories about how God has answered the prayers of his family over recent months. Every student was totally engaged. And I was totally encouraged. How uplifting to hear examples of God’s goodness from the person who is going to lead you through the upcoming year! 

God, please help me to keep your faithfulness at the forefront of my mind!

“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.”  Deuteronomy 4:9