Too Proud to Remember

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

There have been times in my life where I have gone through severe trials. In those times I have cried out to God for relief. I have asked him to take away the pain, to release me from the ongoing struggles. It seems during those times I have drawn closer to God and my faith was deepened in Jesus Christ. I could sense His loving hand upon me, caring for me.

Yet in times of peace, when the struggles have faded, I grow lax in my attention toward God. My prayers may wane and not be as fervent as they were in the midst of my struggles. Like the Israelites in the Old Testament, I forget what God has done for me. The danger is as Hosea described it in 13:6: “As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, And being satisfied, their heart became proud; Therefore they forgot Me.” Hosea reminds the Israelites: “Yet I have been the LORD your God Since the land of Egypt; And you were not to know any god except Me, For there is no savior besides Me. I cared for you in the wilderness, In the land of drought (13:4-5, NASB).”

During periods of calm and contentment in our life, we should recall how God has brought us to that point. We should remember how he cared for us in the land of drought and the wilderness — how he brought us through those difficult times. Remember His provision, His care, His desire to grow your faith through difficult times — how he brought you out of the land of sin to salvation.

© 2021, CGThelen

By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion. Upon the willows in the midst of it We hung our harps. For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” Psalm 137:1-3

13 thoughts on “Too Proud to Remember”

  1. I’m going through a few trials at the moment: blocked sinuses, struggle sleeping, more than usually fatigued body after exercise, feeling liked there are physical obstacles when trying to to write, or play music. Strangely, instead of feeling closer, I’m feeling further from God, across the other side of a crowded room, struggling to hear him.

    Maybe I’m not leaning into the hope Jesus provides enough? I’m just not entirely sure the best way to do that right now.

    1. When I think of so many trials I have been through, the word that comes to mind is cling. During those periods of my life, when God felt distant, I clung to Jesus. The trauma I went through caused me to pray more, to seek God at a deeper level, to cling to Him and the hope he gives. Everything in this world is temporal, God is eternal. I think of Jesus praying before His crucifixion, “let this cup pass (Matthew 26:39);” David praying, “My soul clings to You;
      Your right hand upholds me (Psalm 63:8).” Cling to Jesus. Seek Him. Hold on to His hope.

  2. Such a pertinent message! Maintaining a consistent relationship with God in our prayers brings us much closer to Him. Your points about remembering all that God has done for us is a beautiful way to share gratitude and praises.

    1. That’s why I like 1 Chronicles 17:16 where David said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far?” He humbly recalls what God has done for him. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.

  4. Pingback: Too Proud to Remember – Tonya LaLonde

  5. Amen! Part of the sermon I heard on Sunday had this same point. The pastor was speaking on integrity and how people who are full of integrity focus on God throughout life’s circumstances. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

  6. “During periods of calm and contentment in our life, we should recall how God has brought us to that point. We should remember how he cared for us in the land of drought and the wilderness — how he brought us through those difficult times.” This is so true! It’s amazing how quickly we drift away from a close relationship with the Lord as soon as the pressure is off, and life is good again.

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