“Remind me where we’re going for lunch?” I asked Lynne as we were getting in the car. I have to face it: my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be. I have to look at my calendar multiple times a day to make sure I stay on schedule.

This may surprise you, but about 2,700 years ago, God gave Isaiah a “remind me” statement. Okay, maybe that’s a Ron Helle paraphrase. What He actually said was, “Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right” (Isaiah 43:26, ESV).

God doesn’t forget anything, although He does say He chooses not to remember our sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:12) when we’ve accepted His gift of atonement through Jesus Christ.

God was challenging the rebellion of the Israelites as they walked in disobedience while still expecting God to bless them. So, how does that relate to us in the 21st century? He is still the same God.

“For I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)

God asking us to put Him in remembrance is for our benefit, not His. God wants His children to come “with confidence … to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The KJV says to “come boldly” to the throne of grace.

Where do we get this confidence, this boldness? It comes from God’s promises given to us in His Word, the Bible.

Moses made intercession for the people when they had sinned by making a golden calf while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments. God said He would destroy them, but Moses “reminded” Him of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Exodus 32:7-14) and He relented. I want to have that kind of faith — faith that reminds God of His promises through Scripture.

God is pleased with that kind of faith.

When I am struggling with a challenge, I can remind God of this promise: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

When I feel like I’m not making much progress in my spiritual life, I can remind Him of this promise: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

I could keep going, but you get the point. God wants us to come humbly but confidently to make our case before Him, not just for ourselves but for those we care about — family, friends, neighbors.

Have you found yourself hitting a wall in some area of your walk? Find a promise that applies and meet with God. Put Him “in remembrance” that you might be proven right!

“Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.”

(“Standing on the Promises,” Russell Kelso Carter, 1886)

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!