Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, especially concerning the day you stood before the LORD your God in Horeb, when the LORD said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.    Deuteronomy 4:9-10 NKJV

Moses is preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. He has spent the first three chapters of Deuteronomy reminding them of all God has done for their ancestors since they left Egypt. He also reminded them of their ancestors’ rebellion, which led God to withhold the Promised Land from them. Instead, they were sentenced to wander in the desert for 40 years and die there in the wilderness.

During those 40 years, the Israelites angered God many times. Moses intercession was the only thing that stopped God from destroying them on many occasions. There were times, however, when God did destroy a large number of them because of their rebelliousness.

Moses also recounted all God did for them in these 40 years. He provided manna from heaven and water from rocks. They never went without. He guided them by fire at night and a cloud by day. He parted the Red Sea so they could walk through on dry land, providing an escape from Pharaoh and his men. When they complained about eating manna, He sent them quail. He helped them to conquer the lands they had to cross to get to the border of Canaan, the Promised Land.

In Warren Wiersbe’s commentary, he pointed out that we have to know who we are and where we came from to have a clear understanding of where we are going. Moses wanted the Israelites to understand that they must fear God. They must have a reverential awe of Him and obey His commands. They needed to understand the history of their ancestors to avoid repeating the same mistakes. This new generation was poised to go into Canaan and conquer the land God was giving to them as their inheritance. This was the land He had promised Abraham He would give to his descendants. But to avoid trouble, they needed to be obedient. They should never forget this, and they should teach their children and grandchildren to do the same.

The same holds for us today. When things aren’t going as we had hoped or planned, instead of grumbling and complaining, we should remember all God has done for us in the past. We should remember the times He told us no, only for us to discover later that it was because He had a better plan. We should remember the times He made us wait, only for us to discover His timing is perfect. And we must also remember the times He has had to discipline us.

If things are going well for you, remember to praise God and give Him thanks. Go to His house and praise and worship Him.

If things aren’t going so well, know that He’s got you. Remember the times in the past when He helped you in times of trouble. Trust in Him.

We are told in Hebrews 13:8 that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. God never changes. We can count on Him to be consistent. He wants us to consistently trust in Him. He wants us to remain devoted to Him regardless of our circumstances. He wants us to remember all He has done for us. And most importantly, He wants us to obey Him.

Maintain a close relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study lest we forget these most important things.

Have a great day!