And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.
Deuteronomy 8:19
Lord, sobering words for sure. Forgetting You leads to my demise. Forgetting who I am has dire consequences. My mind goes to those times when I would do what was right in my own eyes, walking in ways that, frankly, satisfying the lusts of my flesh rather than please You. You could have and should have wiped me out! I did not walk according to Your will and ways but instead satisfied my own wicked longings. Yes, You did send some trials and tribulations my way, some of which still linger with me today. Yet, You did not abandon me. You did not leave me to my own devices. You did not forsake me! I have not perished because You have led me through this “wilderness” of my own making! You have humbled and tested me, showing me the dark places in my heart, challenging me with the question, “Do you love me?” And today, my heart responds, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You.”
Father, where You lead me, I shall follow. Thank You for having Your way in my life. Thank You for the hardships and difficulties that have caused me to turn from corrupt causeways to paths of righteousness. Thank You for divine discipline that did not spare the rod of correction but chastened me that I might be purged of my sins. And most of all, thank You for sending Your Son and my Savior, Jesus, to not only pay the price for my sins – a price I could not pay – but to usher me into Your family, showing me what “good” truly looks like, and revealing to me what my soul truly longs for: fellowship with my God! How can I forget what You have done for me! Never! Because of what You have done for me I shall not perish but shall be with You, in Your presence, for eternity! Thank You! I praise Your Name this day and forever! Amen!