“They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them.” – Judges 8:34 (NL
One of the saddest patterns repeated throughout the Old Testament is this: God’s people would experience His powerful deliverance, His miraculous provision, His overwhelming goodness… and then forget.
They forgot the One who rescued them.
They forgot the One who gave them victory.
They forgot the One who led them, fed them, and loved them.
And before we point fingers at ancient Israel, let’s pause and recognize: this is our story too.
A Human Problem
The book of Judges chronicles a tragic cycle—rebellion, rescue, restoration… then forgetfulness. In Judges 8:34, it says, “They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them.”
How does that even happen?
How do people forget the God who just saved them?
Here’s the truth: Forgetting God doesn’t happen in one dramatic moment. It’s usually slow… subtle… like a slow leak in a tire. Over time, our memory fades and we drift.
We get busy. We get distracted. We get comfortable.
Signs We May Be Forgetting God
Here are a few warning signs:
- Prayer becomes optional or rare.
- The Bible collects dust or becomes a duty.
- Gratitude dries up.
- We rely more on our own strength and less on God’s.
- Worship feels hollow or distant.
- Sin doesn’t grieve us like it used to.
If we’re honest, we’ve all been there. Even mature believers can slide into spiritual forgetfulness.
Why Remembering Matters
Throughout Scripture, God continually calls His people to remember:
“Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” (Deut. 8:18)
“Remember the wonders He has done…” (Psalm 105:5)
Why does God emphasize remembering? Because remembering reorients our hearts. It restores humility. It reignites gratitude. It leads us back to trust and obedience.
How to Stay Spiritually Remembering
So how do we fight the drift? How do we overcome spiritual amnesia? Here are some practices that have helped me:
1. Daily Devotion
Start each day with intentional time in God’s Word and prayer. It’s not about checking off a box—it’s about connection and realignment. When we start the day remembering who He is, it shapes everything.
2. Thanksgiving Journals
Write down something every day that you’re thankful to God for. Big or small. This cultivates a grateful heart and keeps you mindful of God’s hand in your life.
3. Tell the Stories
Talk about what God has done in your life—around the dinner table, with your children, or in your small group. Testimonies are memory fuel.
4. Worship Regularly
Not just on Sundays. Fill your home and car with worship. Let the songs you sing declare truth over your heart and circumstances.
5. Sabbath and Reflection
Take time weekly to stop and reflect. What has God done this week? Where did you see Him at work? Reflection helps us re-center.
6. Spiritual Markers
Just as Israel set up stones of remembrance (Joshua 4), we can create our own. Journals, framed verses, photos from mission trips, or moments of breakthrough—visual reminders of God’s faithfulness.
A Final Encouragement
If you’ve found yourself forgetting God, don’t stay stuck in guilt. His mercy is fresh today. Return to Him. Remember what He’s done. Stir your heart again.
Because remembering God isn’t just about recalling facts—it’s about rekindling love.
Let’s be a people who don’t forget.
Let’s live in daily awe of the God who rescues, restores, and walks with us.
Question for Reflection:
What’s one thing God has done for you in the past year that you never want to forget?
