Remembering

“Joshua … took a large stone, and set it up there under the oak … ‘Behold, this stone … has heard all the words of the LORD which He spoke to us. It shall therefore be a witness to you, lest you deny your God.’”—Joshua 24:26–27

As he approached the end of his life, Joshua knew it was important to remind the Israelites of their history, and how God had kept His promises by protecting and blessing them. Joshua reminded them that their ancestors had served other gods, but God still chose them. He delivered them from Egypt and gave them “a land for which [they] did not labor, and cities which [they] did not build” (v. 13).

The people acknowledged all that God had done and said they would not forsake Him. But Joshua knew that they might be forgetful. To help them remember their commitment, he set up a stone. Every time they saw that monument, the Israelites would be reminded of all God had done for them and all their promises to Him. Yet in the years to come, they surely would forget these promises. They still needed to be reminded.

In the midst of our busy schedules, it can be easy to forget our history and what God has done for us. We, too, need to realize how important it is to recall His goodness, protection, and blessing.

Think about what God has done for you. Spend time with Him so you never deny Him or forget His blessings. Read His Word and seek Him in prayer. Think about His promises and your commitments. Then remember to put your commitment into practice, and look for ways to serve Him.

Reflection Question: How has God shown you His faithfulness in the past few weeks?