Remember, Do Not Forget
In the ebb and flow of life, we often find ourselves navigating through seasons of adversity and abundance. These contrasting experiences can profoundly shape our relationship with God, testing the depth of our devotion and the strength of our faith. As we journey through life's varied landscapes, we are called to a higher purpose: to remember God in our struggles and not forget Him in our successes.
The book of Deuteronomy offers us a powerful lens through which to view this calling. As the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they were reminded of their 40-year journey through the wilderness. This wasn't just a history lesson; it was a crucial moment of reflection and preparation for the abundance that lay ahead.
God's people must remember Him in adversity and not forget Him in abundance. This simple yet profound truth echoes through the ages, speaking directly to our hearts today. But why is this so important, and how can we cultivate this unwavering devotion?
In times of hardship, it's natural to cry out to God. Whether facing a health crisis, financial strain, or emotional turmoil, we often find ourselves reaching for divine help. However, the real question is: Are we calling out to God because of a genuine devotion to Him, or merely out of desperation?
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness serves as a poignant example. God led them into and out of adversity, demonstrating His sovereign control over their circumstances. He provided manna when there was no food, water from a rock when there was no stream, and ensured their clothes didn't wear out. These miraculous provisions weren't just about survival; they were object lessons in God's faithfulness and care.
Moreover, God uses adversity to teach and refine us. As Hebrews 12:7 reminds us, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children." Our trials are not in vain; they serve to humble us, reveal the true nature of our hearts, and deepen our dependence on God.
But what happens when the storm passes and we find ourselves in a season of plenty? This is where the real test of devotion often lies. It's easy to forget God when life is comfortable, when our needs are met, and when success seems to come from our own efforts.
The warning in Deuteronomy 8:17 is strikingly relevant: "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.'" How quickly we can fall into the trap of self-reliance and pride, forgetting that every good gift comes from above.
This is why we must actively cultivate a habit of remembering God in all seasons. We need to acknowledge that He is the source of our strength, the provider of our abundance, and the ultimate purpose behind our blessings. Our successes are not for our glory, but to confirm God's faithfulness and to be a testimony of His goodness.
The apostle Paul's words in Philippians 4:11-13 offer a beautiful picture of this all-encompassing devotion: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Paul's secret wasn't some mystical ability to transcend circumstances. It was a deep-rooted understanding that his greatest treasure was Christ Himself. Whether facing shipwrecks, imprisonments, or times of abundance, Paul's devotion remained steadfast because he had found something—or rather, Someone—greater than any earthly comfort or trial.
This brings us to a crucial point: the truest test of devotion is whether it remains when adversity ends. It's relatively easy to cling to God when we're in desperate need, but do we maintain that same fervor when life is good? Do we still seek Him with the same intensity when our prayers have been answered and our needs met?
As followers of Christ, we have an even greater reason to remember God in all seasons. We haven't just been delivered from physical bondage like the Israelites; we've been redeemed from sin and death through the cross. We don't just have the promise of a temporal land of milk and honey; we have the assurance of eternal life with God.
This perspective should radically alter how we view both our trials and our triumphs. In adversity, we can take heart knowing that our sufferings are temporary and purposeful, refining our faith and drawing us closer to God. In abundance, we can resist the temptation to become self-reliant, instead using our blessings as opportunities to glorify God and serve others.
So how do we cultivate this unwavering devotion?
As we navigate life's diverse seasons, let us strive to be a people wholly devoted to God. May we be known not for our circumstances, but for our unwavering faith. Whether in the depths of the valley or on the mountaintop of success, let our hearts echo the psalmist's declaration: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:25-26).
In every season, in every circumstance, may we remember the Lord our God, for He is faithful, He is good, and He is worthy of our complete devotion.
The book of Deuteronomy offers us a powerful lens through which to view this calling. As the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they were reminded of their 40-year journey through the wilderness. This wasn't just a history lesson; it was a crucial moment of reflection and preparation for the abundance that lay ahead.
God's people must remember Him in adversity and not forget Him in abundance. This simple yet profound truth echoes through the ages, speaking directly to our hearts today. But why is this so important, and how can we cultivate this unwavering devotion?
In times of hardship, it's natural to cry out to God. Whether facing a health crisis, financial strain, or emotional turmoil, we often find ourselves reaching for divine help. However, the real question is: Are we calling out to God because of a genuine devotion to Him, or merely out of desperation?
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness serves as a poignant example. God led them into and out of adversity, demonstrating His sovereign control over their circumstances. He provided manna when there was no food, water from a rock when there was no stream, and ensured their clothes didn't wear out. These miraculous provisions weren't just about survival; they were object lessons in God's faithfulness and care.
Moreover, God uses adversity to teach and refine us. As Hebrews 12:7 reminds us, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children." Our trials are not in vain; they serve to humble us, reveal the true nature of our hearts, and deepen our dependence on God.
But what happens when the storm passes and we find ourselves in a season of plenty? This is where the real test of devotion often lies. It's easy to forget God when life is comfortable, when our needs are met, and when success seems to come from our own efforts.
The warning in Deuteronomy 8:17 is strikingly relevant: "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.'" How quickly we can fall into the trap of self-reliance and pride, forgetting that every good gift comes from above.
This is why we must actively cultivate a habit of remembering God in all seasons. We need to acknowledge that He is the source of our strength, the provider of our abundance, and the ultimate purpose behind our blessings. Our successes are not for our glory, but to confirm God's faithfulness and to be a testimony of His goodness.
The apostle Paul's words in Philippians 4:11-13 offer a beautiful picture of this all-encompassing devotion: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Paul's secret wasn't some mystical ability to transcend circumstances. It was a deep-rooted understanding that his greatest treasure was Christ Himself. Whether facing shipwrecks, imprisonments, or times of abundance, Paul's devotion remained steadfast because he had found something—or rather, Someone—greater than any earthly comfort or trial.
This brings us to a crucial point: the truest test of devotion is whether it remains when adversity ends. It's relatively easy to cling to God when we're in desperate need, but do we maintain that same fervor when life is good? Do we still seek Him with the same intensity when our prayers have been answered and our needs met?
As followers of Christ, we have an even greater reason to remember God in all seasons. We haven't just been delivered from physical bondage like the Israelites; we've been redeemed from sin and death through the cross. We don't just have the promise of a temporal land of milk and honey; we have the assurance of eternal life with God.
This perspective should radically alter how we view both our trials and our triumphs. In adversity, we can take heart knowing that our sufferings are temporary and purposeful, refining our faith and drawing us closer to God. In abundance, we can resist the temptation to become self-reliant, instead using our blessings as opportunities to glorify God and serve others.
So how do we cultivate this unwavering devotion?
- It starts within our hearts and minds. We must intentionally remind ourselves of God's character and promises, regardless of our circumstances. We need to develop a habit of gratitude, acknowledging God's hand in both the big and small aspects of our lives.
- Reading and meditating on Scripture, particularly passages that recount God's faithfulness, can anchor our souls in truth. Regular prayer and worship, not just in times of need but as a consistent practice, keep our hearts attuned to God's presence.
- Additionally, surrounding ourselves with a community of believers can provide encouragement and accountability. When we share our struggles and victories with others, we create opportunities to witness God's work in each other's lives, reinforcing our collective memory of His goodness.
As we navigate life's diverse seasons, let us strive to be a people wholly devoted to God. May we be known not for our circumstances, but for our unwavering faith. Whether in the depths of the valley or on the mountaintop of success, let our hearts echo the psalmist's declaration: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:25-26).
In every season, in every circumstance, may we remember the Lord our God, for He is faithful, He is good, and He is worthy of our complete devotion.
You can view the sermon in its entirety below:
Categories
Tags
Archive
2025
2024
February
March
April
2023
May
November
December