In the United States, after reaching age 65, we are eligible for Medicare. The insurance providers recommend an annual wellness exam. Besides a quick physical checkup and questions about general health and lifestyle (Have you fallen lately? Can you manage your own finances?), there is a memory test. First, the technician says, "I'm going to say three words. You'll need to remember them later, okay?" Then, she gives several other tasks before saying, "Now, what were those three words?"

I dread these exams. What if I forget those words, or I can't count backwards by 3 from 97, or I accidentally say 2022 instead of 2023? And most people don't use analog clocks anymore!

Thankfully, during my recent exam, there were only two tasks: remember three words while drawing the hands of a clock at 11:10. So I said those three words in my head while writing the numbers 1-12 in the right spots on the circle and inserting the hands at the correct time. And then, I correctly repeated all three. Whew!

I imagine that many readers of PresbyCan devotionals are of an age to appreciate my dilemma. And it can be worrisome. But even as we age, we can still remember — we just need to use different strategies, like my repetition of those three words in my head while completing the other task.

In my Bible, on the title page for Deuteronomy, I wrote REMEMBER. That's one of its themes. The word occurs numerous times in Deuteronomy, along with "do not forget", as Moses repeatedly reminds the Israelites to remember how God brought them out of slavery and led them through the wilderness, and how only He gives the power to be successful in following His commands.

Isaiah 46:8-10 – Remember this and stand firm. … Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, … and I will accomplish all my purpose. (ESV)

"Remember" also occurs over 300 times throughout the whole Bible as we are told of God's great deeds and His love for us. We need to remember all that God has done for us and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. We can do that when we take communion: "Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19 ESV) But like the Israelites, we also need to make a conscious effort to remember Who God is, what He has done for us and our friends and family, and what He has promised through His Word.

Remembering requires effort. I had to force myself to remember those three words for the minute or so that it took to complete the other task. Some days, when life is tough, we may have to force ourselves to remember His blessings and His care for us. Remembering also requires repetition. As Moses repeatedly reminded the Israelites, we need to remind ourselves repeatedly to remember the former things and know that God will accomplish His purpose in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember, as You repeatedly told Joshua, to be strong and courageous, for You are with us wherever we go. Help us to remember the way that You have worked in our lives throughout the years as we continue to live for You. Amen.