When We Forget, God Remembers

I read a psalm every day. This morning, it was Psalm 106—a beautiful picture of God’s goodness and love for His people. It recounts eight episodes of Israel’s sin and rebellion against Him.

When God’s People Forget

The account begins at the Red Sea, where they forgot God’s faithfulness soon after leaving Egypt (vv. 7–12). Later, in the wilderness, they tested God by demanding specific food (vv. 13–15). Then, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against God’s appointed leaders. They envied Moses and Aaron (vv. 16–18).

The psalm also recalls how God’s people turned to idols, worshipping the golden calf at Mount Sinai (vv. 19–23). Their distrust showed itself again when they believed the spies’ bad report and refused to enter the Promised Land (vv. 24–27). At Baal of Peor they forgot about God’s enduring love joined in pagan worship and ate sacrifices offered to the dead (vv. 28–31).

At the waters of Meribah, God’s people provoked Him and stirred Moses to anger. As a result, in his anger, Moses sinned (vv. 32–33). Even in the Promised Land, the people failed to drive out the Canaanites. Instead, they adopted pagan customs, including child sacrifice, and defiled themselves through these practices (vv. 34–39).

God Remembers His Covenant

Again and again, Israel forgot God’s goodness. They forgot what God had done and doubted His promises. Yet God continued to show patience and mercy. He did not overlook their sin, which brought painful consequences. But when He heard their cries, He remembered His covenant with them and showed them compassion (Psalm 106:43–46).

Remembering God’s Goodness Today

Psalm 106 invites us to look honestly at our own hearts. How easily do we forget God’s goodness when life gets difficult or something else captures our attention. We can become so focused on our own desires, the things that worry us, and whatever has gone wrong for us that we lose sight of the reasons we have to be grateful.

Rather than looking at Israel’s failures from a distance, we can pause and ask ourselves: Where am I struggling to trust God? What am I allowing to draw my attention away from Him? These questions invite an honest response to this psalm’s beautiful reminder of God’s enduring love.

Today, let us put that reflection into practice by naming one way we have forgotten God, confessing our sin honestly, and asking Him for mercy. Then name one specific reason to thank Him for His goodness. Then, move into your day with renewed trust and gratitude.