Forget to Remember

About a week ago, my grandchildren were over and I found myself using the term “forget to remember” in describing a situation that happened between them. When I picked them up from school, my granddaughter had fallen and injured one leg from knees to toes and tears filled her eyes as she described to me what had happened. As we approached her brother's class, I saw her demeanor change and realized as she called out his name, she wanted him to come and comfort her. I remember saying, “You want your brother don't you?” as she then began to cry out loud and tears streamed down her face. He came up the stairs and put his arms lovingly around his baby sister. I must tell you I cried some pretty large tears myself at this point. We've all felt that need to be comforted and seeing it take shape there before me tapped into my great need for the same.



A few hours later they became upset with each other as they were growing tired. One thing led to another and soon there was an argument and some finger pointing and more tears. Their mother and I tried to put it all to rest and they climbed into their car and drove away. A little later, I realized it might be important to let their mother know about the scene earlier in the afternoon. I knew she would be blessed to know how much love they had shown for each other and how their expression of love had touched my heart. I reminded her we all “forget to remember” the positive sometimes in light of the negative things that come into our lives.


As I was reading going through my Bible study today, I was pleasantly surprised to see the words “forget to remember” again. I thought this uncanny since I'd just used them a week ago. The picture of my grandson's arms about his sister immediately came to my mind and quite naturally led me to think of how much I need comfort when I've fallen and the sting of my fall leaves me feeling broken and needing His gentle touch of mercy.



He knows what we need even before we know we need it (Him).

After all, He is the omniscient, “all knowing God."

In Matthew 14, when the disciples were in the boat, out in the middle of the sea, with the storm approaching, Jesus was on the mountain top praying for them. He already knew the storm was gathering and began making His way to them. Should I be surprised that this passage has come my way 3 times this week? If I can remember His faithfulness and His promises and forget to remember the darkness and the danger, then instead of feeling Him to be distant, I will feel His closeness and comfort.



Recently, I found a beautiful card from my sister of the heart who lives in another city. The picture of Jesus leaning closely into a small blonde haired child, her hands clasped in prayer, says simply...”Before we even pray the words...”

“Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)

Our Savior's loving heart is never surprised by the trials we face. He was on His way to the disciples before the storm gathered. He wants us to recognize His Presence IS the impenetrable fortress when we are walking through tests and trials. He wants to step in and put His arms around us and bring the calm and peace in the midst of the storm.



There really is no security apart from Him. When things come to buffet our lives, we have a choice where to put our focus.



Today, no matter the trial or test, focus your eyes upon Him and remember His promises. He says He WILL answer, even before we call. He WILL hear even when we are still focusing on the issues at hand. If we will “forget to remember” the trial and get our eyes fixed on Him, He will walk with us in our trial, even walk over the deep waters and through the fire with us. His Presence will become our impenetrable fortress as we forget to remember the TRIAL and enter into the security of His promises.



Like my grandchildren “forgot to remember” their close embrace and the loving hearts they have for one another, we sometimes do the same in our trials. We forget to focus on His great and precious promises to us and instead get caught up in the painful, sometimes fearful circumstances of our trials and tests.


He is aware of our need for comfort and peace during these times. Allow your tears to fall, your voice to cry out your need for Him. He is already making His way to you now. His Presence will come and calm your stormy sea and you will “forget to remember” the tossing waves and turbulent winds. His Presence is your safe place.



“For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5)