Remembering God's Goodness

The human propensity to forget is a recurrent theme throughout Scripture. Despite experiencing God's miraculous interventions, the Israelites often lapsed into forgetfulness, leading to disobedience and spiritual decline. This tendency is not confined to ancient times; it pervades the human condition. In our contemporary context, we are equally susceptible to neglecting the memories of God's goodness. This essay explores the theological significance of remembering God's faithfulness, drawing primarily from Joshua 3:10–4:8, and examines practical ways to cultivate reminders of the Lord's involvement in our lives.

The Context of Joshua 3:10–4:8

As the Israelites stood on the brink of the Promised Land, they faced the formidable obstacle of the Jordan River at flood stage. Joshua declares, "Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you" (Joshua 3:10, ESV). The subsequent miracle of Jordan's waters being "cut off" (Joshua 3:13) echoes the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's continuous presence and power among His people.

The crossing of the Jordan was not merely a logistical necessity but a theologically rich event symbolizing transition, fulfillment of promise, and divine faithfulness. God instructs Joshua to select twelve men, one from each tribe, to take stones from the midst of the Jordan to create a memorial (Joshua 4:2–3). This act serves as a tangible reminder of God's miraculous intervention.

The Purpose of the Memorial Stones

The memorial stones had multifaceted purposes:

Intergenerational Testimony: "When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’" (Joshua 4:6, ESV). The stones provided an opportunity for storytelling, ensuring that future generations would learn about God's mighty acts.

National Identity: The memorial reinforced the collective identity of the Israelites as a people chosen and led by God. It was a physical representation of their shared history and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Spiritual Encouragement: In times of doubt or adversity, the memorial would serve as a source of encouragement, reminding the Israelites of God's past faithfulness as a basis for present trust.

The Theology of Remembrance

The act of remembering is not a passive recall but an active engagement with God's past actions to inform present faith and future hope. In Deuteronomy, Moses frequently exhorts the Israelites to "remember the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 8:18, ESV), warning against the dangers of forgetfulness leading to pride and self-reliance.

Remembrance as Worship

Remembering God's deeds is an act of worship. The Psalms are replete with calls to remember: "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11, ESV). This remembrance fuels worship by focusing on God's character and works.

Remembrance as Obedience

Forgetting God's commandments often leads to disobedience. The Israelites' forgetfulness resulted in idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Conversely, intentional remembrance fosters obedience: "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2, ESV).

Remembrance as Identity Formation

Memory shapes identity. By recalling God's faithfulness, believers reinforce their identity as God's people. Peter reminds the Church: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9, ESV), anchoring identity in God's redemptive acts.

The Human Tendency to Forget

Despite witnessing God's miracles, the Israelites repeatedly forgot His deeds. Psalm 106 chronicles their forgetfulness: "They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt" (Psalm 106:21, ESV). This forgetfulness led to a cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance.

In modern times, the distractions and busyness of life can eclipse our awareness of God's presence. The parable of the sower warns of "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches" that choke the word (Matthew 13:22, ESV). We, like the Israelites, are prone to drift toward self-reliance and complacency.

Creating Personal Memorials

To counteract forgetfulness, believers are encouraged to establish personal and communal practices that serve as reminders of God's faithfulness.

Journaling

Documenting experiences of God's work in our lives can be a powerful tool. Journaling allows for reflection and serves as a record to revisit during challenging times. Habakkuk was instructed: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it" (Habakkuk 2:2, ESV).

Thankfulness Lists

Listing reasons for gratitude shifts focus from circumstances to God's provision. Paul exhorts believers: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV).

Physical Symbols

Just as the Israelites used stones, physical objects can serve as reminders. Whether it's a special item, a piece of art, or a designated space, these symbols can prompt reflection on God's goodness.

Celebrating Milestones

Observing anniversaries of significant spiritual events reinforces memory. The Feast of Passover was instituted as a perpetual reminder of deliverance (Exodus 12:14, ESV).

Scripture Memorization

Internalizing God's Word fortifies the mind against forgetfulness. "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11, ESV).

Communal Remembrance in the Church

The Church plays a crucial role in fostering collective memory. Corporate worship, sacraments, and communal storytelling reinforce shared experiences of God's faithfulness.

The Lord's Supper

Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper as a memorial: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19, ESV). This sacrament is a tangible expression of the Gospel, reminding believers of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Preaching and Teaching

Regular exposition of Scripture reinforces God's deeds and commands. Paul charges Timothy: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV).

Testimonies

Sharing personal stories within the Church edifies the body. Revelation speaks of overcoming "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11, ESV).

The Dangers of Forgetfulness

Forgetting God's goodness has profound implications:

Spiritual Drift

Neglecting to remember can lead to spiritual apathy. Hebrews warns: "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it" (Hebrews 2:1, ESV).

Idolatry

When God is forgotten, substitutes take His place. The Israelites turned to idols when they forgot God (Judges 8:34, ESV).

Loss of Hope

Memory of God's past faithfulness sustains hope in present trials. Lamentations illustrates this: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope" (Lamentations 3:21, ESV).

Remembering in Times of Trial

In adversity, recalling God's goodness becomes essential. The Psalmist models this: "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done" (Psalm 143:5, ESV). Such remembrance can restore perspective and faith.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit aids in remembrance. Jesus promised, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit... will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26, ESV). Reliance on the Spirit is crucial for sustaining memory of God's words and works.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Remembrance

Establish Regular Reflection Times

Setting aside time for meditation on God's Word and works reinforces memory. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10, ESV).

Engage in Discipleship Relationships

Mentoring and accountability relationships encourage mutual reminders of God's faithfulness. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17, ESV).

Incorporate Remembrance in Prayer

Prayer can include elements of thanksgiving and recollection of God's deeds. Paul models this: "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers" (Ephesians 1:16, ESV).

The Eschatological Dimension of Remembrance

Looking forward, remembrance has an eschatological aspect. The Lord's Supper is observed "until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV), linking past sacrifice with future hope. Remembering God's past faithfulness assures believers of His future promises.

Conclusion

Remembering God's goodness is integral to the life of faith. The memorial stones in Joshua serve as a profound example of how physical reminders can reinforce spiritual truths. In a world filled with distractions, intentional practices of remembrance anchor us in God's unchanging character and deeds.

By cultivating personal and communal memorials, we guard against the drift toward self-reliance and forgetfulness. As we recall God's faithfulness, we are strengthened in obedience, enriched in worship, and sustained in hope.

Let us, therefore, heed the admonition: "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead" (2 Timothy 2:8, ESV), and make every effort to keep His deeds and words ever before us.

Further Reflection and Application

To apply these truths, consider the following steps:

1. Begin a Spiritual Journal: Start documenting instances of God's faithfulness in your life. Reflect on answered prayers, providential encounters, and transformative experiences.

2. Create a Memorial: Choose a physical object that symbolizes a significant spiritual milestone. Place it somewhere visible to serve as a daily reminder.

3. Engage in Community: Share your testimonies with others in your Church. Encourage one another by recounting God's goodness.

4. Practice Gratitude: Daily list things for which you are grateful. Let this practice cultivate a heart of thanksgiving.

5. Memorize Scripture: Commit to memory passages that highlight God's faithfulness. Meditate on these verses regularly.

Final Exhortation

In the journey of faith, memory serves as a compass, directing our hearts toward God. As the Israelites were instructed to remember their deliverance through the memorial stones, we too must establish markers that continually point us back to God's unwavering faithfulness. May we be a people who not only experience God's goodness but also diligently remember and proclaim it, to the glory of His name.