I walked out of my favorite bookstore in deep thought.  My body started making its way to my car. My distracted mind forgot where I parked.  Even my 20-year old Honda did not stand out amongst the vast number of cars in the mall parking lot.  I thought, “Why are there so many white cars!?” We forget what we wish we could remember. We remember what we wish we could forget.  Isn’t age supposed to make us wiser? Oh, the paradox of life.

The contradictions in real life can also be found in our spiritual lives. Our selective memory keeps us from dealing with what we need to deal with. We put on the band-aid of church attendance and everything seems fine. We arrive home and look in the mirror. The soul doesn’t lie. Wearing a church face is exhausting.

We see the “good book” on the shelf.  We are embarrassed by the dust. We know we have avoided reading it.  All of a sudden, those spiritual moments come to mind, and start flooding our eyes.  Those times when we felt God’s presence, as we got alone with Him and read His promises.  The verse “taste and see that the Lord is good” really is true, because we remember what it felt like to be filled.  The world can never provide that contentment. Regardless, we still act like there is something delicious out there to put our finger in.

How do you remember, to not forget God’s truths, while you still live and work in a world you see, touch and experience?  Biblical authors thousands of years ago knew that struggle. I love their practical answers to our struggling questions. It involves your fingers, your hands, your forehead, your neck and your house.

From his book Deuteronomy, Moses wrote:  

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine.  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.”  “Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (11:18, 20 NLT)

From his book Proverbs, Solomon wrote:  

“Keep their words always in your heart.  Tie them around your neck.”  “Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.  Write them deep within your heart.” (6:21; 7:3 NLT)

I went up into our attic one day to find an old book.  I opened boxes, searching and digging. I came across old pictures like a framed picture of my life verse.  I thought, “Why did I store it in the attic?” I pull that verse down from my memory bank constantly. Sometimes I say it out loud. Sometimes I say it to myself. I don’t have to go up in the attic to remember Isaiah’s words.

Why not put your name in the blank, so you won’t forget to remember: “Don’t be afraid____________________, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (41:10)

pictures courtesy of “Nelson & his Nikon”