I forget too. We’re not in the same circumstances; forgetfulness does bear its own consequences, but it’s not always a terrible thing. In fact, it can be a blessing. I have read that on the battlefield, there are some things you can’t forget; things that you cannot “unsee”. As service members though; the sacrifice you are making by serving prevents me from experiencing horror I cannot imagine. The protection you provide is highly valuable, no matter how often may think or be told otherwise.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB) states, “Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Forgetfulness is not always a positive quality; but Christ does not care how much or how often we forget. Unfortunately, as you may know, it may not matter how much we forget, but we do not get to choose exactly what we forget. There are certain things I wish were erased from my mind, just like how I cannot always recall what I had for dinner last night. Personally, I have found that when an event or set of repeated circumstances led to me being hurt; I cannot forget. Other people, who were not there with me during my trials, will forget to consider challenges I face (i.e. what they can do to help me remember, noise, etc.) However, the Lord has promised you and me that He will not forget us in our suffering.
Hebrews 6:9-12 (NASB) states, “But, beloved, we are convinced of better things regarding you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints. And we desire that each one of you demonstrate the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and endurance inherit the promises.”
We (as civilians) also have no real concept of how much danger we would be facing if you (as a member of the military or perhaps law enforcement) didn’t do your job. You do; because you probably see it every day you spend on a battlefield. Your job means that those of us who are civilians never have to know how much risk we would face without you.
Psalm 138:7-8 (NASB) says
“If I walk into the thick of danger,
You will preserve my life
from the anger of my enemies.
You will extend Your hand;
Your right hand will save me.
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
Lord, Your love is eternal;
do not abandon the work of Your hands.”
Forgetfulness is a side effect that could be viewed in a negative or positive way; but the Lord will always be there for you as you face harrowing circumstances. Psalm 23 has always been one of my favorites. It was the very first time I memorized a full chapter of the Bible; it’s so comforting. This is the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation.
“The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.”
This has always been a passage I really hang on to – particularly the verse about His presence with me through the darkest valleys. It’s comforting for me in challenging circumstances where I’m not sure what the end is going to look like. Christ is always there for us, knows what we are going through and is an excellent listener.
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