In what ways can we ensure we remember God's kindness in our lives? Setting the Scene Joash owed his throne and his very life to the priest Jehoiada, yet when Jehoiada died, the king “did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada his father had shown him, but killed his son” (2 Chronicles 24:22). The tragedy of Joash warns us: forgetting kindness leads to ingratitude, hardness of heart, and sin. How can we avoid that pitfall and keep God’s goodness fresh in mind? Why Remembering Matters • Remembering is commanded—“Only be on your guard and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen” (Deuteronomy 4:9). • Remembering stirs worship—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds” (Psalm 103:2). • Remembering anchors hope—Jeremiah called to mind God’s mercies and found “hope” (Lamentations 3:21-23). Practical Ways to Remember God’s Kindness • Personal memorials – Keep a gratitude journal; date each entry and note answered prayers. – Place visible reminders (a stone on a shelf, a verse card on the mirror) like Israel’s twelve-stone monument at the Jordan (Joshua 4:6-7). • Verbal testimony – Share stories of God’s faithfulness around the dinner table or in small groups (Psalm 145:4-7). – Record video or audio testimonies for future generations. • Worship and celebration – Participate in weekly corporate worship; songs of praise cement truth in the heart. – Observe Communion: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). • Written Word saturation – Memorize verses that spotlight His kindness (Romans 5:8; Titus 3:4-5). – Read narrative portions that rehearse deliverance (Exodus 12; Judges 6-8). • Acts of obedience – Respond to kindness with concrete obedience (John 14:15). Action engraves memory deeper than sentiment. – Serve others in the same way God served you; generosity revives gratitude (2 Corinthians 9:11-13). • Rhythms of thanksgiving – Begin and end each day listing three blessings. – Mark special dates annually—the day of salvation, a healing, a financial rescue. Supporting Scriptures at a Glance • Deuteronomy 4:9; 8:2 • Psalm 103:2; 145:4-7 Living It Out Today Choose at least one habit—journal, testimony, celebration, Scripture memory—and start this week. Let each reminder turn your heart instantly toward praise, keeping you from the forgetfulness that ruined Joash and drawing you into the joy of continual gratitude. |
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