What We Should Remember – A Reflection on Deuteronomy 8:10-20
Life often provides us with moments to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves, What should we remember? The Word of God gives us clarity, reminding us of His faithfulness and the importance of honoring Him in all circumstances. Today, let’s explore this theme through the lens of Deuteronomy 8:10-20.
The Importance of Remembering God
Deuteronomy 8 calls us to remember the Lord in every season of our lives—whether we are in times of lack or abundance. It warns us against the natural tendency to forget God when life becomes comfortable. How often do we pray fervently for provision, guidance, or healing, only to drift from Him once our prayers are answered?
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws, and His decrees.”
(Deuteronomy 8:10-11)
The Wilderness Experience
Before we reach a place of blessing, many of us journey through a wilderness—a time of testing, humility, and dependence on God. This wilderness is not meant to break us but to refine us. God provides “manna,” meeting our needs in ways we may not understand, to teach us to trust Him fully.
During these seasons, we are reminded:
“He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.” (Deuteronomy 8:15)
God’s faithfulness in the wilderness prepares us for the blessings to come.
The Danger of Forgetfulness
The chapter emphasizes the spiritual danger of pride and forgetfulness:
“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
When we grow successful, it’s easy to take credit for what God has done. Forgetting Him can lead us into idolatry, self-reliance, and spiritual mediocrity. This forgetfulness doesn’t just impact us; it can lead to spiritual decline for future generations.
What Should We Remember?
- God’s Faithfulness: He brought us through seasons of trial and blessed us with His provision and protection.
- God’s Sovereignty: All we have comes from Him. Our gifts, talents, and resources are entrusted to us to honor Him.
- God’s Commands: Remaining faithful to His Word ensures we live a life that glorifies Him and fulfills His purpose.
Living a Life of Gratitude
We are called to keep God at the center of our lives, praising Him in times of abundance and seeking Him in times of need. Gratitude is the key to remembering Him. When we thank Him daily for what He has done, we anchor our hearts to His presence and stay grounded in His truth.
A Final Warning and Promise
Deuteronomy 8 concludes with a warning: forgetting God leads to spiritual and personal ruin. Yet, it also offers hope: when we remember Him and walk in obedience, we can trust in His promises and faithfulness.
As you reflect on this passage, ask yourself: Am I remembering God in my daily life? How can I remain faithful to Him in both the wilderness and the promised land?
May we always remember the Lord, honoring Him as the source of every good and perfect gift in our lives.
Dr. Sandra Callier
