REMEMBER NOT TO FORGET

The movie Fifty First Dates portrays the story of a woman who falls asleep each night, and forgets everything that happened the previous day. Although a romantic comedy, the film depicts an actual medical condition called Korsakoff Syndrome, in which some patients suffer from total short-term memory loss.

One such case was a forty-nine-year-old man known as “Jimmy,” who was convinced he was only nineteen. When put in front of a mirror, he became agitated and confused. One minute later, he had forgotten the entire incident had occurred.

What a nightmarish condition! Yet at times, we all suffer from “Spiritual Korsakoff Syndrome,” In the midst of daily struggles, we fail to recall the magnitude of God’s blessings. We grumble and complain.  The antidote? Gratitude. Thanksgiving transports us to a different dimension; into the very presence of God. Psalm 100:4 states, "You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into his presence with thanksgiving."  (TPT)

Near the end of his life, Moses warned Israel to “remember not to forget” all God did for them. He reminds them that when they're settled and satisfied in the Promised Land, to "be careful that you do not forget the Lord..." (8:11). "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." (v 17-18)

Years ago on The Simpsons, Bart was saying grace before a meal. (Anyone sense trouble, coming?) He prayed, "We bought the food and cooked it, so thanks for nothing, God!" As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, "Remember not to forget" God’s overwhelming blessings. Korsakoff Syndrome can take many forms. Perhaps the deadliest being to forget the simple blessings of life, such as family, friends, food and faith. 

Ponder

• On a scale of one to ten, how much do  you suffer from “spiritual Korsakoff Syndrome?”

• How can you develop a more grateful heart?

Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Deuteronomy 8.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when ingratitude overtakes me. Help me to “remember not to forget” your blessings.

(My Christmas devotional, The Perfect Gift, is available through Our Daily Bread, or you can order here: https://a.co/d/7Ho1vqm )