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PROGRAM D-6957

You know, when I sit down at my desk each morning, the first thing I grab is my “to-do” list and my calendar.   Why?  Because that’s how I remember what I have to do each day.  That’s how I keep from forgetting to do the things I’m supposed to do.  Without those reminders, I’d be in serious trouble frequently.

Now, most of us are that way.  We just can’t keep it all in our heads, so we build reminders into our lives to help us remember.  We need to do this in the spiritual realm as well, so that we’ll remember what God wants us to remember.  Let’s talk about some practical things we can do.

I’m a big believer in putting little signs around you, such as scripture verses on cards, propped up on your desk, posted on your screen saver, taped to your mirror or the dashboard in your car.  Another good idea is to use little rituals or routines that you practice as a way of remembering.  For instance, I go through the routine of “putting on” the garments of Colossians 3 almost every day, mentally dressing the inner person, to help me remember how important it is for me to be kind and generous, gentle and thankful, and so forth.

I have written many things down in my prayer journal as continual reminders of what God has done.  All my answers to prayer are noted in there, with the dates they were answered.  What a great way to remember and rejoice again and again for what God has done for you.

In her book Women and Their Emotions, Miriam Neff tells about a friend of hers who always wears a butterfly.  It may be a ring, stick pin, or design on her clothing.  It reminds her that God has been changing her in positive ways.  That’s a great idea.  Find a symbol that reminds you of what God is doing in your life and surround yourself with it.

Now, keep in mind that there is no power whatsoever in these reminders.  They are not good luck charms or anything like that.  They are simply reminders like the tassels the Jews were told to wear on their clothing just to help them remember.

Figure out where your memory is failing you.  Then take steps to shore it up with reminders—actual physical things that you do or see on a daily basis so that you won’t forget.  Remember, Satan is trying to make you forget, your busy life-style will make you forget.  The only way you’re going to remember is to be intentional about it and put some reminders in place.