Do you have spiritual amnesia?

I admit it. I am prone to spiritual amnesia. I am susceptible to forgetting spiritual markers, times of worship, experiences with the Holy. Though powerful at the time, those moments fade in the background all-too quickly and are replaced with daily reminders that I live in a fallen world. Traffic. Mean people. Job stress. Shameful memories. The flu. Cancer. Strained relationships. It's enough to make you wonder where God is.

I think that's why the word "Remember" is found in Scripture so much.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (Ex. 20:8).

Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years (Deut. 8:1).

Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you (Deut. 15:15)

Remember what Moses the Lord's servant commended you (Josh. 1:12).

Remember His covenant forever — the promise He ordained for a thousand generations (1 Chron. 16:15)

I will remember the Lord's works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions (Ps. 77:11)

So remember your Creator in the days of your youth (Eccl. 12:1).

And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).

Why the constant reminder to remember? Because it's easy to forget.

Last week, a family member was diagnosed with a serious health problem, a health problem that took the life of my mom about five years ago. When I heard the news, my first thoughts were not of God's faithfulness in the midst of my darkest pits. I had forgotten those times. Instead, I was anxious and angry and confused and scared and...

I emailed some friends to ask them to pray. One response shocked me back into reality. She wrote, "God is in control, and loves him and you.  Cling to that when you can."

Oh yeah. I forgot. Again. God loves me and my family, even in the most uncertain of outcomes.

It's so easy to forget when the bad news comes. When the paycheck is small and the bills loom large. When the walls between family members stand impenetrable. When the enemy throws the past in your face and casts doubt on your present. When parents are quick to voice their displeasure and slow to show their appreciation.

In those times, spiritual amnesia creeps in, crowding out any memory of God's faithfulness and providence, His forgiveness and restoration, His fierce and determined love.

That's why Scripture emphasizes remembering. And that's why the community of believers is commanded in the New Testament to remember the sacrifice of Jesus. The community keeps the memory alive. We remind each other daily that God is in control, that God is not surprised by our circumstances or caught off guard by our sin. Even if we forget, those around us can jog our memories, reawaken our trust, and dust off our faith.

This week is a call to remember and a call to give thanks. Let this blog be a starting point. In the comments section, share a time when God has provided for you, loved you, forgiven you, restored you, used you. In a few days, come back to the blog, read others' comments, and use this space as a tool to remember:

God is in control and loves you. Cling to that when you can.