“He showed you these things so you would know that the LORD is God and there is no other.” DEUTERONOMY 4:35

Remember and Don’t Forget Deut 4:32-40

We all share a tendency to forget. Sometimes, this helps us to cope with suffering that we’ve endured, but often we are forgetful about things that should have an ongoing, transformative effect on our lives. Deuteronomy is crafted to combat this propensity, as it begins with a retelling of what had happened in the past as God led the Israelites through the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land (1:1–4:49).

Moses pleaded with the Israelites to never forget all that God had done on their behalf. God had been faithful to them, providing for them and caring for them during the wilderness years. “Remember,” Moses repeats over and over again—16 times in the book (along with another 10 warnings against forgetfulness)!

In the midst of suffering, it is easy to forget the good things God has done for us. Suffering can refine and strengthen us and teach us precious lessons from God. Deuteronomy details the trials and wonders the Israelites had experienced, explaining that God showed them those things so that they would know him and trust him (4:35). Many times we, too, wish that life were not so hard and cry out for our suffering to end! But in the midst of our suffering, we must remember that God speaks to us and instructs us just as he did for the Israelites in the wilderness. Can we learn life’s important lessons only through pleasure and comfort? Certainly not.

To ensure we hold on to our hard-won wisdom, we’re encouraged to share what we’ve learned about God’s goodness with our children and those around us. It is important to take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness to us through difficult circumstances. As the opportunities come, we can boldly share what God has done for us with our loved ones and friends. As we talk about God’s faithfulness we’ll even remind ourselves, as Moses did with the Israelites, so we can take heart and continue to walk by faith.