Have you ever noticed how often Scripture tells God’s people to remember?

Remember what the Lord has done.

Remember His faithfulness.

Remember how He provided.

Remember where He brought you from.

It’s not a suggestion that appears once or twice in the Bible.

It’s a repeated reminder woven throughout the story of God’s people, and there’s a reason.

We are forgetful people.

I don’t know about y’all . . . but sometimes I’m surprised by what I can and can’t remember!

I can remember a meaningful conversation from five years ago or the details from one of my favorite vacations, but sometimes I can’t remember all the details of a conversation I had five minutes ago!

For this reason, when it comes to remembering God’s faithfulness, we sometimes need a little reminding.

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses speaks to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. After forty years in the wilderness, they’re about to step into a season of abundance–everything they prayed for! But before they enter, Moses gives them an important instruction:

“Take care lest you forget the LORD your God” – Deuteronomy 8:11

Moses reminds the Israelites of how God provided manna when they were hungry, sustained them in the wilderness, and cared for them every step of the way. He also warns them about what could happen when life becomes comfortable. They might begin to believe their own strength had brought them prosperity. They might remember the gifts but forget the Giver.

Isn’t that easy to do?

When we’re walking through a difficult season, we’re often quick to recognize our need for God. But when life is going well, sometimes we begin to live as though we’ve got everything handled.

That’s why remembering matters.

And true gratitude is remembering Who provided it.

So . . . how can we become more intentional about remembering God’s faithfulness and cultivating a grateful heart? Here are four practical ways to start.

Look Back and Remember What God Has Done

One of the easiest ways to cultivate gratitude is to look back intentionally.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly reminds His people to remember His works. They were to remember how He rescued them from Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and remained faithful to His promises.

We can do the same by taking some time to look back over our lives. We can start a gratitude journal or journal in the margins of our Bibles:

Where have we seen God’s provision?

What prayers has He answered?

What difficult seasons has He carried us through?

What circumstances once felt impossible but now remind us of His faithfulness?

Sometimes we’re so focused on what we’re waiting for God to do next that we forget what He’s already done, and taking time to remember helps us do just that.

Remember God’s Character Through His Word

Gratitude becomes more sincere when we know the One we’re thanking.

When it comes to God’s character, we don’t have to guess. He’s revealed Himself through His Word, which is why spending time in God’s Word matters.

This month, spend time studying what Scripture teaches about God’s character. Choose one attribute of God each week and find Bible verses that teach you more about that part of His character. Write down what you learn about Him and how that truth gives you reason to be thankful, regardless of your current circumstances.

If you need help studying the Bible, Kingfolk Co. has plenty of resources made just for you!

Create Rhythms That Help You Remember

Sometimes remembering requires intentional reminders.

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses didn’t assume the Israelites would naturally remember God’s provision. He instructed them to remember. He knew they needed to be intentional.

We need those reminders, too.

Consider writing a note in your Bible or a verse on your bathroom mirror. Write a prayer you revisit each morning, or have a conversation around the dinner table once a week where everyone shares what they’re thankful for. Maybe set a reminder on your phone every morning to remember what God has done.

These small rhythms can help redirect our attention toward the Lord throughout the day!

Let What You Remember Shape How You Live

Remembering who God is and what He has done in the past should shape the way we respond to Him in the present.

When we remember His provision, we can trust Him with what we don’t have.

When we remember His faithfulness, we can obey even when the future feels uncertain. 

When we remember His goodness, we can give thanks even when our circumstances aren’t what we hoped they would be.

True gratitude should shape our hearts, priorities, thoughts, and everyday obedience.

As you reflect on God’s faithfulness, ask yourself:

How should this truth change the way I live today?

Is there something I’m holding too tightly or someone I need to forgive?

Is there an area where I need to trust God more?

Let your remembrance lead to an intentional response, not a reaction rooted in fear or worry.

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As we enter a season when gratitude is on everyone’s minds, here’s a little challenge for this month:

Don’t just write down what you’re thankful for today.

Remember what God has done in the past, and thank Him for that, too.

If we approach this season of gratitude with a heart set on remembering, we will experience a state of biblical thanksgiving that goes beyond what we’ve experience before.