When You Forget Who God Says You Are

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Today, I’m over at Proverbs 31 telling a tale of a little girl with a very long name and a wisp of wisdom. You can read my devotion here.  But  first, I’d love to tell you about a lesson I learned from a man with a long laugh and a short memory…

“Remember,” I prompted my young ones as I steered our minivan along the winding country road that led to my grandma’s house.

“Grandpa Jim loves to see you, but he might not remember who you are. So just keep telling him your name.”

The kids in the seats behind me nodded earnestly. They knew that Grandpa Jim’s memory had faded, but the sparkle in his eyes had not. They knew he might be slow to recall our names, but he would be quick to welcome us into the  kitchen and offer us a seat at his table. 

They knew Grandpa Jim would probably ask the same questions over and over again, and that he’d likely repeat the same story a few times, too. They knew that his shoulders would shake when he chuckled and his knees might wobble when he walked.

But they also knew that he would listen closely to their banter and solicit their childish jokes. He would delight in their antics and revel in their company.

“It’s okay, Mommy,” four-year-old Joshua said as we pulled into the driveway of the little white farmhouse. “Grandpa Jim might not remember my name, but he never forgets to give me candy.”

I swallowed a giggle as my preschooler leaped out of the van and bounded up the steps to the front door. And I smiled as I watched my little boy shake the wrinkled hand of a gentle farmer long in years but short on memory. 

Grandpa Jim has moved home to Heaven now. But in my mind’s eye, I can still see him leaning across that humble kitchen table, listening to my children’s chatter with a patient nod.  I can picture him pausing mid-conversation and flashing a sheepish smile; then admitting in a slow and sincere drawl,  “I know you already told me. But just remind me once more who you are.”

As I think about those unpretentious words, I wonder what would happen if we, too,  addressed our own forgetfulness.

Because, let’s admit it, friends, forgetfulness doesn’t just malign those who are long on years and short on memory.  Forgetfulness assails every child of God who tunes an ear to the taunts of the world instead of listening to the truth of the Word. 

Forgetfulness tells us we are friendless, even though the Word says we are friends of Christ (John 15:15)

Forgetfulness whispers we don’t belong, even though the Word reminds us we are a part of God’s family (Ephesians 1:5) .

Forgetfulness jeers we aren’t enough, even though the Word assures us we are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

Forgetfulness insists we are guilty, even though the Word pronounces us free from condemnation (Romans 8: 1&2).

Forgetfulness proclaims we are unloved, even though the Word avows that we can never be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35).

Forgetfulness deems us a mess, even though the Word declares us a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)

Sadly, forgetfulness doesn’t just besiege our mind;  it ransacks our confidence and plunders our purpose. It shatters our security and pillages our peace.

But we don’t have to surrender to this memory thief. We can fight it.

We can choose to believe God’s truth instead of indulge the world’s lies. 

We can read our Bibles with open ears and an open heart.

And on those days when we find ourselves forgetting who God says we are, we can turn Grandpa Jim’s honest words into our own humble prayer. 

“Lord, I know you’ve already told me, but remind me once more who I am.”

Thanks for taking time to meet us here!

If you need a little encouragement, be sure to download a copy of my free printable called REMIND ME WHO I AM IN CHRIST. It’s packed with scripture that will help you fight against forgetfulness every day. Just click on the link below to download your copy.

remind-me-who-i-am-in-christ printable

And if you have a minute, we’d love to hear from you–What’s one thing God has been reminding you of lately?