Vietnam war

9-11

The Great Recession

These events occurred within the past sixty years, approximately three generations. However, for many who lived through these events, the memories may quickly fade. While I still remember the shocking events unfolding in real-time, the precise details are fading. Memory experts hypothesize that it is a protective defense mechanism of the brain to bury painful memories into our subconscious, so we do not dwell upon them. What about positive memories? Do we forget times of joy and gratitude, allowing them to fade into our subconscious? The Bible records the sad answer from a dark chapter in the history of the early nation of Israel. Fresh from their conquest of the Promised Land of Canaan, God had blessed them with numerous improbable victories over enemies who greatly outnumbered the nascent nation. However, within a generation, Israel forgot the blessings that God had bestowed upon them and turned away from Him to follow the false gods of their conquered enemies. 

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. 

Judges 2:10 (NLT)

Am I any different than the Israelites? It doesn’t take me a generation to forget God’s grace and mercy to me. Sometimes, just a few days is all it takes. God is always seeking to bless me but I quickly fail to recognize His blessings or even acknowledge them when they happen. Instead, like the Israelites, I turn to false idols, including myself. I glory in my accomplishments, thinking that my skills and cleverness are responsible for my success. How desperately I need a Savior! Only by confessing and repenting of my sins and acknowledging Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, will I be able to break this selfish cycle of sin and realign my life with God’s sovereign will. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.