Forget Not

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Psalm 103:1–3 (KJV)

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

What it is speaking to me:

Memory is a wonderful thing. If I were to ask you, "What is the best meal experience you have ever had?" a few experiences would likely come to mind. Now that I have asked, I am thinking of one of mine, and I am going to share it with you.

A few years ago, my family was near Biloxi Beach, Mississippi, taking a little spring break trip. The weather was not working in our favor for most of the trip. One of the days was Chelsea's birthday, and it was supposed to rain all day. We decided to road trip to New Orleans, about 90 minutes away. It was one of Chelsea's favorite cities in the lower 48, and the kids and I had never been. We arrived in the French Quarter to pouring rain. We found a place to park and leapfrogged from one covered porch or awning to the next, exploring the unique architecture that defines the French Quarter. We found a restaurant in a very old building with exterior walls facing the street that were just a series of old, very tall French doors open to the pouring rain. We got a table near one of those doors and proceeded to have a glorious lunch of jambalaya and gumbo in the locale where they originated, or at least were popularized. The perfect food, in the perfect setting, in the pouring rain, with the perfect wife on her birthday — see what I did there?

I began by saying memory is a wonderful thing — because as I recall this favorite memory of mine, I am smiling. It warms my heart to relive the events, the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Memory is a gift from God; we get to relive our blessings and be blessed by them all over again. I think that is what the psalmist is doing at the start of this psalm. He is recalling the wonderful works of God, His blessings, and that recollection turns him toward worship.

When I recall just a few things God has done for me, my heart turns toward Him. I worship — even if it is just a simple thank you whispered from my heart to His ears. The more I remember, the more I worship. The psalmist says "forget not," which certainly implies we are capable of forgetting, or at least of not actively remembering. And I think that is the point: remember. Actively remember the goodness of God in our lives. Not only will it make us smile, it will make us want to worship. Memory is a wonderfully powerful thing.

What is it saying to you?

What is the favorite blessing or memory God has given you?

How do your remembered blessings turn you toward worship?

What are we going to do about it?

Recall three things right now that God has done for you, and actively express thanks for them. Do it again at lunchtime and at dinnertime. Reflect on a day sprinkled with gratitude and worship.