FORGET NOT YOUR GOD

By: Dennis Harworth

In 1885, Swedish preacher Carl Boberg was caught in a violent afternoon thunderstorm with awe-inspiring flashes of lightning and rolling thunder.  The storm quickly passed and was replaced by a calm gentle breeze, clear brilliant sunshine, and the sweet songs of birds from nearby trees.  Overwhelmed by the majestic display of nature and the contrast of the fierce storm and peaceful calm, he fell to his knees and was inspired to write the lyrics to the great hymn, “How Great Thou Art”.

Hearing this song during a recent heavy storm, I was reminded of the awesome wonder, indescribable great power, and the vast greatness of my Savior God!  Praise rose from deep within my soul, being extremely grateful for God’s everlasting love, forever faithfulness, and His mercy, grace, and kindness towards me.  He is truly my rock, my refuge and my strength!  Like a modern-day song, “He is my waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper”.  Countless times God has miraculously protected me, provided for me, fulfilled every precious promise to me, and filled my life with His peace in the midst of tremendous turmoil. 

You would think with this testimony that the Lord would always be in the forefront of my thoughts, desires, and actions, especially when things don’t go well.  Unfortunately, my first natural impulse is to try to fix it myself.  It is no different when life is going great either.  There is a tendency to relax my guard and coast for a while until something gets my attention.  However, I have learned some lessons and would like to share them with you:

First of all, you must never forget the Lord your God.  This does not mean you deny He exists.  It means you might be so focused on your life with your problems or your blessings that you stop totally depending on Him.  Everything you have comes from Him, and when life is going good, you might be tempted to forget about the One who got you there.  Most of the times I believe it is easier to depend upon ourselves when enjoying success and prosperity.  But God clearly warns, Beware in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 8:11 NLT).  Your blessings should never be the reason to turn away from God, but rather cause you to be obedient to His Word and thankful for His works.

Forget not your God when you have plenty.

Secondly, you must not let difficult circumstances make you forget about your faithful God.  Remember how He has come through in the past and trust He will do it again.  For if you forget what God has done, you begin to doubt what He can do.  So, don’t make asking the Lord for help as a last resort.  The failure to remember God first and foremost in any bad situation only contributes to more fear, anxiety, doubt, and discouragement.  The Word declares, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).  You never have to face everything alone.  The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).  

Forget not your God when you have problems.

Finally, you must diligently guard your heart from the peer pressure of those around you.  Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT) says, Watch out!  Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD do for you.  Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live!  God had dramatically delivered the Israelites from Egypt and performed many mighty miracles right before their eyes.  Yet, they forgot what He had done – the wonderful miracles He had shown them (Psalm 78:11 NLT).  Although they had witnessed miracles of deliverance, protection, and provision, they forgot about their great and powerful God and unbelief spread through the camp.  It was apparent that listening to others was more convincing than what they had seen God do for them.

Forget not your God when you have pressure.

You must not forget your God because He has never forgotten you – and He never will.  He has been faithful in your past, He is your present help now, and He is there for your future.  When you keep God at the forefront of your thoughts, desires, and actions, you will experience His love, strength, peace, and promises. So, don’t allow prosperity, problems, or pressure make you forget the God of your provision, protection, and blessings.  Therefore, acknowledge the Lord as your source and humbly depend on Him.  Trust His Word.  Remember His works.  Follow His ways. FORGET NOT YOUR GOD!