Don’t Forget!
by Tracy Gordon
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” –Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Life seems to be so busy these days and the “to do” lists just keep growing and growing. Writing things down in my planner (yes, I’m old school) just doesn’t seem to be enough. I find myself setting alarms and reminders on my phone, putting sticky notes here and there, and even jotting things on my hand sometimes. I’m always thinking…don’t forget!
When my daughter was in Kindergarten, I got caught up one day in the busyness of life and was late picking her up from school. She was so upset! Not because she was left all alone as the teacher was with her, but because she was the last one picked up. I felt terrible and profusely apologized. The next day when I dropped her off at school she said, “Mom, don’t forget!”
In Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Moses is explaining to the Israelites that the commandments he is giving them from God are not to be taken lightly and just jotted down like a mundane task to remember. In these verses, God calls His people to a wholehearted commitment to His Word. The instructions are not just for knowing God’s commands but for embedding them at the very center of daily life. God’s words are to be treasured in our hearts, shaping our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
The passage emphasizes the importance of passing faith to the next generation. Whether at home, on life’s journeys, at bedtime, or at the start of a new day, we are encouraged to integrate God’s truth into every moment. The act of tying them as symbols on our hands and forehead is another reminder that God’s commandments ought to guide both our actions (“hands”) and our thoughts (“foreheads”).
Today, reflect on how God’s Word influences your daily routines. Are there ways you can be more intentional about remembering and sharing His truth with those around you? Pray for opportunities to let your faith shine in everyday conversations. Ask God to help you internalize His commands so they become a living part of who you are.
Don’t forget, you are saved, redeemed, and forgiven. Don’t forget, God is provider (Jehovah Jireh) as you are waiting for that job to come through. Don’t forget, God is healer (Jehovah Rafa) as you are praying for a loved one to be well. Don’t forget as you are praying for that child or family member to come back to the Lord; He’s the one who leaves the 99 to go after the one. Let us not forget to keep God’s words close, not only in our minds but also in how we live, love, and lead others toward Him.
Heavenly Father, all throughout Scripture You constantly remind us not to forget who You are and Whose we are. Thank You for Your Word that helps us be strapped to Your armor. May we live out and be obedient to Your commandments each and every day. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.