A Book of Remembrance

It is said that the older one gets the more sketchy his memory becomes. If that's true, I'm in BIG trouble! My memory is already terrible, and I haven't even reached my mid-30's. I struggle to remember names, places, directions, and even my own ideas.

Another problem I have is remembering which devotions I've done on my blog, which ones I've done as articles, and which ones I've used for ladies' meetings. So, if it should happen that I've already done a post similar to this one, please bear with me.

The truly sad part is that my physical memory is the least of my problems. I seem to have giant holes in my spiritual memory. You know, like remembering all the ways God has blessed me and how often He's delivered me from trouble. Yep, whenever I'm facing a new trial, I get a bad case of spiritual amnesia. I forget how good God's been to me. I forget His promise that He'll never leave me. I forget all the ways that He has provided for me. I'm so focused on the current problem that I forget everything else.

The children of Israel had a similar problem. Do you know how God dealt with it? He gave them the idea for a book of remembrance.

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. - Malachi 3:16

Now, I'm not sure as to the extent of what was in that book, but I'm pretty sure it included the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, God's guidance via the pillars of cloud and fire, the deliverance from the Egyptians, and so on. I think every time someone wanted to complain, the book was opened and the events were recounted.

Not long ago, I began my own book of remembrance. I took a leather journal and started writing down each blessing I received. My book includes everything from monetary gifts to the free box of donuts we received from the grocery store because they were priced incorrectly. Big. Small. It doesn't matter. If it's a blessing, I write it down. Then, when I feel like throwing myself a glorious pity party, I open my book of remembrance instead. I can read in my own words how God is good and faithful. My pity party quickly transforms into a praise party!

I encourage you to start your own book of remembrance. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make in your life and your attitude.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some things to jot down in my book. . . if only I can remember where I put it!