Forget Not All His Benefits

Perhaps the road to repentance begins not so much with "I'm sorry," but remembering God's kindness. Romans 2:4 says, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" (NIV).

Our sin contaminates our thinking about God. Our failures speak condemnation to us. We are racked with guilt and shame. But God remains the same before and after we had sin. He is still just, holy, kind and patient. He's our advocate and helper and this truth will never change.

Psalms 103:2-3 tells us, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases," (ESV). If God forgave us in the past we can be certain that He will do it again. The consequences may remain but He gives greater grace for us to walk upright and free from our bondage.

Israel's sin was that of unbelief. Even at the crossing of the Red Sea, they did not believe God was able to make a way out. It was only a short time ago when they were in Egypt and witnessed all the terrible signs and plagues that fell on Egypt. It was as if they suffered some form of memory lapse. All those plagues in Egypt was a witness that God was for His people and desired their freedom. This was to build their faith in a God who can do the impossible.

Still they were warned not to forget. "Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:" (Deuteronomy 8:11).

So why do have spiritual amnesia? Loss of memory about all the good things God has done and will do? Why does the present seem so much more tangible while the past acts of goodness are like sand slipping through our fingers?

I could only think of thing - bitterness. We see the blessings of others which seem so much greater and better than our own. We mistakenly believe God has favorites that He bestows blessings. Those who entertain, perform on a platform or have some talent is seen as gifted while we feel like some defect.

Beloved, it starts with saying to God aloud: "This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High." (Psalms 77:10 KJV).

When we remember Him we are aware of our state and how great His mercy is toward us.

And once glance in His eyes and the prodigal is home.