HOSEA 11:1-3 – When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.

THEME OF THE DAY. SPIRITUAL AMNESIA. It happens to all of us. We forget things. Even important things. And one of the causes of forgetfulness is taking things for granted. For instance, when we woke up this morning in a safe home, enjoyed running water, a nice breakfast, and a choice of clothes to wear for the day, did we thank God for all these temporal blessings? Or did we forget? How about this . . . the Apostle Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3), have we thanked God for being in a good, not perfect, but good church that believes, preaches, and practices the Bible? What about thanking Him for the gift of prayer to commune with Him? Then think about the Christian brothers and sisters God has given us to run the race and fight the fight of faith with? Did we thank Him for them? Or have we forgotten these and many other of God’s grace gifts of spiritual blessings? Yes, we do suffer “spiritual amnesia” at times, but we are not alone. In today’s scripture, God’s people of old suffered this same “spiritual disease” and it resulted in something very sad – the neglect of such a good God who so loved them, provided for them, and protected them. And we must guard against the same forgetfulness leading to neglect. Here are two ways to develop “mental muscle” and prevent the ease of spiritual amnesia.

First, start the day with thanksgiving. Even before our feet hit the floor. Lay in bed for a moment, not hitting the snooze button for a few more winks, or starting to mull over, and get stressed over, all we must do today. No. Start the day in heaven. Talk to our heavenly Father, and let the first utters of prayer be thanksgiving. Thank Him for life, health, food, clothing, protection, provision, and more importantly for Himself, His Son, His Spirit and His Word. This is so important to getting the day, even a life in order. And this is so important to God that He inspired the writers of Psalms to list the command “Give thanks” in nearly twenty-five percent of the Psalms. If we learn to start our day with thanksgiving to the Lord, we will develop a habit that will go a long way in preventing spiritual amnesia to settle into our lives.

Another thing to do is so obvious, should be so simple, but is sadly neglected or substituted for other far less important things. We must put ourselves in the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship with God’s people regularly; like at least weekly. As for the Word, there should not be a day a Christian is not in God’s Word and prayer. And it isn’t about time. It is about desire and priorities. But this extends to the Lord’s Day. To prevent spiritual amnesia, we need to be in regular fellowship with other people fighting against spiritual amnesia. Fellow believer, the Lord’s Day is not an option to consider. It is a necessity for survival, not to mention the joy of being together for corporate worship. Fellowship is one of the most important things God gives us to prevent us from forgetting Him and His blessings. Be with God’s people as much as possible. It is a means of maintaining spiritual mindedness.

The Psalmist proclaims, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). We will make much progress in not forgetting His benefits if we start the day with thanksgiving and keep ourselves close to Him through His Word, prayer and with His people.

PRAYER: “Father, help me never to let a day go by without remembering Your care, love, and delight in me.”

QUOTE: “Don’t let the busyness of life cause us to forget the Author and Giver of life.”