“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” — Psalm 103:2 (NLT)
One of the great weaknesses of human nature is our tendency to forget.
We forget appointments. We forget names. We forget where we left our keys. But perhaps our greatest forgetfulness is spiritual—we forget the goodness of God.
The Israelites were notorious for this. God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, parted the Red Sea, fed them with manna from heaven, and led them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Yet only a short time later, they complained, doubted, and longed to return to Egypt.
Before we’re too hard on them, we should admit that we often do the same thing.
God answers a prayer, and we rejoice. A few months later, we face a new challenge and wonder if He cares. God provides financially, protects us from danger, heals our bodies, restores relationships, and blesses us in countless ways. Yet when a new trial comes, we can quickly forget His faithfulness.
Why Do We Forget?
1. We Focus on Present Problems
Current difficulties often seem larger than past blessings.
When Peter walked on the water, he did well until he focused on the wind and waves instead of Jesus. Likewise, our attention can become consumed by today’s troubles, causing us to lose sight of yesterday’s victories.
2. We Become Familiar With God’s Blessings
What once amazed us can eventually become normal.
The health we enjoy, the spouse we love, our family, church, friends, home, and daily provision can become things we simply expect rather than gifts we gratefully receive.
3. We Have Short Memories
Human beings naturally remember pain longer than blessings. A single disappointment can overshadow dozens of answered prayers if we aren’t intentional about remembering.
That is why Scripture repeatedly commands God’s people to remember.
“Remember the wonderful works He has done.” (Psalm 105:5)
What Good Things Has God Done?
David gives us a wonderful list in Psalm 103:
- He forgives all our sins.
- He heals our diseases.
- He redeems our lives from destruction.
- He crowns us with love and tender mercies.
- He fills our lives with good things.
- He renews our strength.
And beyond these blessings:
- He gave us life.
- He sent His Son to save us.
- He adopted us into His family.
- He gave us the Holy Spirit.
- He promises never to leave us.
- He prepares an eternal home for us.
Every breath we take is evidence of His goodness.
How Can We Overcome Spiritual Forgetfulness?
1. Keep a Record of God’s Faithfulness
Many believers keep a prayer journal. Write down your prayers and record God’s answers.
Months or years later, you can look back and see how faithfully God has worked in your life.
2. Start Each Day With Gratitude
Before asking God for anything, thank Him for what He has already done.
A grateful heart sees blessings everywhere.
3. Tell Others Your Story
When you share testimonies of God’s goodness, you strengthen both your own faith and the faith of others.
The Bible repeatedly tells God’s people to tell the next generation what God has done.
4. Read the Scriptures Daily
The Bible is a continual reminder of God’s character and faithfulness.
As we read the stories of God’s dealings with His people, we remember that the same God is working in our lives today.
5. Make Praise a Lifestyle
Praise shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness.
When David said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul,” he was deliberately reminding himself to worship and remember.
A Personal Challenge
Take a few minutes today and make a list of ten good things God has done for you.
Think about:
- Your salvation.
- Your family.
- Your health.
- Answered prayers.
- Opportunities He has given you.
- Protection He has provided.
- Friends He has brought into your life.
- Lessons He has taught you.
You may discover that God’s goodness has been far greater than you realized.
Final Thoughts
The enemy wants us to focus on what we don’t have. God wants us to remember what He has already given.
David understood this when he wrote:
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” (Psalm 103:2)
Today, pause and remember.
Remember the prayers He answered.
Remember the doors He opened.
Remember the storms He carried you through.
Remember the grace He showed when you failed.
Remember the cross.
Remember the empty tomb.
And as you remember, let gratitude fill your heart and praise rise from your lips.
Don’t forget His benefits. They are more numerous than you can count.
