Remembering Our Deliverer: Avoiding the Pitfall of Forgetfulness
"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" - Psalms 106:21

As we turn our attention to Psalm 106:21, which states, "They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" we are met with a profound reflection on human nature and divine providence. This verse encapsulates the tragic tendency of humanity to forget the mighty acts of God, especially in moments of distress or challenge. For the Israelites, the historical background, framed by their enslavement in Egypt and subsequent liberation, serves as a potent reminder of God's character as a faithful deliverer.
To fully appreciate the weight of this verse, let’s first acknowledge the narrative around it. The people of Israel had witnessed incredible miracles: the plagues that struck down Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna and quail in the desert. Each event was a direct testament to God's power and faithfulness. Yet, despite such a powerful display of divine intervention, the psalmist laments that they forgat God. This signifies a spiritual amnesia, a serious disconnect from their savior, and an abandonment of remembrance.
The word "forgat" is particularly striking. It implies not only a casual forgetting but a deliberate amnesia, a conscious decision to overlook the steadfastness of God. It reflects a deeper relational issue: when we forget what God has accomplished in our lives, we risk losing sight of who He is. God’s identity as our Savior should never fade from our hearts and minds, nor should we allow the wonders He has done to slip away from our remembrance.
In our own lives, how often do we echo the actions of the Israelites? When trials arise, we can quickly find ourselves questioning God’s presence and goodness. Our memories of His past faithfulness fade, and we forget who He is in the midst of our storms. The psalmist’s challenge to us is clear: do not forget the great things God has done. You may not have seen the parting of the Red Sea, but you have your own testimony of deliverance. Each one of us has instances of God’s faithfulness that we ought to hold close to our hearts.
God as our savior is not an abstract concept; it is a deeply personal truth. Each time we take a moment to recall His goodness, it helps to anchor our faith and revive our trust in challenging times. Remember the times when God has provided for you, healed you, or comforted you when you felt alone. These reflections serve as a spiritual reservoir, offering strength and courage when facing new trials.
Moreover, in our age of distraction, it is easy to fill our minds with the noise of life and let the truths of God slip into the background. We must cultivate an intentional practice of remembrance: through prayer, worship, and reading Scripture, we can bring to the forefront the memories of His interventions in our lives and the lives of those around us. Consider journaling your spiritual journey—write down the great things God has done. Share your testimonies with others, reminding them and yourself of God’s goodness.
Ultimately, forgetting God carries the risk of ungratefulness and discontent. Recognizing and remembering God as our Savior not only humbles us but also propels us toward gratitude and worship. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness, often forgetting God, leading them to grumble and rebel. Let us instead choose to be a people who remember and celebrate God’s great deeds, holding continuously in our hearts and minds the truth that He is our savior.
In conclusion, as we meditate on Psalm 106:21, let us commit to never taking for granted the goodness of our God. Let us strive to remember and keep our focus on the great things He has done, for His faithfulness is the cornerstone of our faith. May we echo the sentiments of Psalm 77:11, where the psalmist declares, "I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old." In doing so, we strengthen our faith and ensure that we do not forget God, our Savior.
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Psalms 106:21 Artwork
Psalms 106:21 - "They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;"
"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" - Psalms 106:21
"Then believed they his words; they sang his praise." - Psalms 106:12
"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37
"They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:" - Psalms 106:13
"Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass." - Psalms 106:20
"They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD." - Psalms 106:16
"Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:" - Psalms 106:24
"And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." - Psalms 106:15
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34
Psalms 106:19 - "They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image."
Psalms 106:14 - "But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."
Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."
"Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea." - Psalms 106:22
"The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram." - Psalms 106:17
Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"
Psalms 106:11 - "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left."
Psalms 106:12 - "Then believed they his words; they sang his praise."
Psalms 106:25 - "But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD."
Psalms 106:20 - "Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
Psalms 106:13 - "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:"
Psalms 106:36 - "And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them."
"Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed." - Psalms 106:30
Psalms 106:16 - "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD."
Psalms 106:18 - "And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked."
Psalms 106:15 - "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
Psalms 106:24 - "Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:"
"They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead." - Psalms 106:28
Psalms 106:31 - "And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore."
Psalms 106:27 - "To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands."