Last time we were reflecting on the practice the old spiritual masters recommended of keeping

a note of the providences of God in our lives.

And they meant it quite literally, to write it all down in a notebook so that you could remember

and not forget. And it's a very good discipline. And it wasn't just good advice for Christians

in the past. In essence, it's a biblical directive, isn't it? God's people were told many times, remember, because of their tendency

to forget. And let's be honest, we all have that tendency. Two passages come to mind. One is

Deuteronomy chapter 8. The first seven chapters of Deuteronomy contain Moses' account of God's redeeming grace to

His people in the Exodus and also the way of life to which God was calling them through

His commandments.

And then Moses drives things home by saying in verse 2 of chapter 8, remember.

And in verse 11, take care lest you forget.

And then in verse 18, you shall remember.

And then in verse 19, if you forget.

There's a kind of rhythm here, isn't there?

The life of faith has this underlying rhythm. It's the drumbeat

to which the Christian marches. Remember, don't forget, remember, don't forget. And the same

principle holds good, not only in life in general, but in our worship in particular.

Psalm 103 underlines this.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Thus, observing, understanding, appreciating, noting down, remembering, fixing in our minds

and hearts the providences of God in our lives.

All that is part and parcel of living well as a Christian believer.

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