How can we avoid forgetting God's blessings as warned in Ezekiel 16:22? Facing the Warning in Ezekiel 16:22 “ ‘And in all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were unclothed and bare, kicking about in your blood.’ ” (Ezekiel 16:22) Israel’s tragic amnesia—forgetting the pit from which God rescued her—still warns every follower of Christ today. Forgetfulness breeds pride, idolatry, and moral drift. So how do we keep our memories alive and our gratitude vibrant? Why Forgetfulness Creeps In • Busy schedules crowd out reflection. • Prosperity dulls our sense of need (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). • Repeated blessings become “normal,” losing their wonder. • Sin deceives, making yesterday’s deliverances seem distant (Hebrews 3:13). Intentional Habits That Keep God’s Goodness Front-and-Center • Daily thanksgiving lists – Write three fresh mercies every morning (“His mercies never fail… they are new every morning,” Lamentations 3:22-23). • Verbal testimony – Tell family, friends, small-group members specific stories of God’s provision (Psalm 107:2). • Scripture-anchored journaling – Record answered prayers beside dated verses; reread them monthly (Psalm 103:2). • Physical memorials – Place a stone, photo, or note where you see it often—modern “Ebenezers” echoing Joshua 4:6-7. • Rhythms of remembrance in worship – Observe the Lord’s Supper with fresh awe: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). – Celebrate annual moments (Passover for Israel, Resurrection Sunday for the church) that spotlight redemption. • Serving others from overflow – When we pour out what God has poured in, blessing stays current instead of stale (Acts 20:35). • Scripture memorization – Store key “forget-not” verses—Psalm 78:7; Deuteronomy 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:18—to call to mind during temptation or discouragement. Seeing Remembrance Modeled in Scripture • Noah: built an altar immediately after the flood (Genesis 8:20). • Samuel: raised “Ebenezer,” saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). • Mary: “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). • Paul: burst into praise while recounting the gospel, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Keeping Gratitude Fresh Each Day 1. Begin prayer with praise before petitions. 2. Connect every material blessing to the Source—food, paycheck, friendships. 3. Close each day noting where you saw God’s hand—even in trials (Romans 8:28). 4. Share one blessing aloud at the dinner table or with a roommate. 5. Sing intentionally chosen hymns or worship songs that recount God’s mighty acts. Final Encouragement Forgetting is natural; remembering is intentional. As we cultivate habits that spotlight the Lord’s past faithfulness, we strengthen present obedience and fuel future hope. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). |
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