I am so forgetful. Now, if you're reading this, chances are, so are you. This can range from the most simple, daily tasks like eating a meal to a more serious violation like missing class. I cannot even count how many times I have simply forgotten to turn in an assignment, wish someone a happy birthday, or fulfill any other kind of task that someone asks of me. I have seen forgetfulness, coupled with an unfocused mind lead me astray in the midst of daily prayer and quiet times. It's remarkable that I can literally forget the very thing that was on my mind one second before when I am intentionally seeking a Holy God. Unfortunately, forgetfulness holds much more serious implications then we often realize. As I flip through the pages of the Old Testament, I see a people who continually forget who it is they have as an Advocate, who they are, and where they have been. Over and over again God rescues His people from a mistake they made just several generations before. The same people who sing praises and give thanks for their daily mana in the desert, are the same people who erect a golden calf when their stuttering, staff-carrying leader seemingly leaves for a short time. We see a people who jubilantly praise God as their enduring and mighty King, and a people who cry out in anger for a human king to lead them. All the while we almost laugh at the Israelites expense. Armed with our coffee cups and study bibles, laughing at these foolish people for leaving their God time and time again. Often times we fail to see the stark connection between God's chosen nation, and ourselves. In some form or fashion, we stray from our almighty God on a daily basis. I don't have to think very hard to remember times that I have committed unspeakable sin shortly after a great quiet time, moving sermon, or gripping bible study. I almost always then seek to blame God for the tragedy in my life and ask Him why this is happening. A mirror reflection of the Israelites. All the while my God is leading back to the cross to remind me of His grace, because I am so forgetful.
We examine God's faithfulness time and time again in scripture, but the moment a trial comes our way, we lose our minds and have the arrogance to think that we are the exception to the rule. As if God will not deliver you through something or work out a tragedy for good because 'we can't see how God can use this'. If the one that we place our trust in can conquer the grave for our sake, what makes us think He can't conquer our brokenness? I am not merely a Christian who uses the stories of the Old Testament to learn a lesson, but to connect with a people who suffer from the same disease I am plagued with. My very character fequently pulls me away from the God I love and trust to meander in the pool of worry and doubt. My God has never failed since before the creations of the fondations of the earth, why do I think He will not be sufficient for my portion now? If I truly embraced the realities in scripture, then there would be no desire to reach back into the patterns of sin and death. I am so forgetful. I have never sought God and returned with thirst or hunger, always He satisfies me, forever He keeps me. My prayer is that we would constantly remind ourselves of God's goodness and faithfulness, because if it is not with a constant abiding in His Spirit, our hearts will turn from face of our Savior. "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it."
