Hosea 13
Bible Passage: Hosea 13
When they had pasture, they were filled. They were filled in their heart and was exalted. Therefore they forgot Me…
– Hosea 13: 6
In Singapore, it’s safe to say that life is very safe and contented when compared to other countries. And when it comes to practicing our faith, the Singapore church faces minimum persecutions (although perhaps we are facing some right now) while there are other places do not have the luxury of worshipping God on a Sabbath in complete peace.
But with a very comfortable and peaceful life, both physically and spiritually speaking, comes the risk of us becoming a little too complacent. This is because, during these times, we might feel that… Hey, life’s just perfect at the moment! So God, I’m good right now, but I’ll let You know when I need Your help, ya? I mean, I should remember You when I’m in trouble…
And not only just peaceful, but also especially when we are doing very well in the world (i.e. prosperous, earning lots of dough, excelling in school or work). Because when we are doing well, there is a risk that we might become proud and feel that we are very capable on our own, and we don’t accredit anything to God… In fact, we might forget God altogether…
When your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage…
– Deuteronomy 8: 14
We might forget that it is God who had created us and, thus, given us the abilities and talents that we have to support ourselves. And even then, it is God who blesses us with whatever we have, no matter how much it may be. God is a God who helps us both in times of distress and in times of peace.
Even during such peaceful and prosperous times, we must remember the times when God helped us during any low point in our lives. We must remember the grace He give us when we needed it most. And we must remember the fact that He had died for our sins on the cross so that we can receive salvation… And if we can do this, we will be all the more grateful to our Lord that we can be in this state…
And perhaps, we might defend ourselves and think: But I go to church regularly. Isn’t that enough?
Sure we might go to church every Sabbath, but what sort of heart and mind do we have when we go there? Do we go there just because it’s routine, or is it because we are there to worship God in spirit and in truth? Do we remember to have our own spiritual nurture at home on a regular basis? Do we remember to give thanks to our Lord?
Therefore, whether we are doing well or not, we must never forget about God. We must never forget to worship Him and give Him thanks always.
We must always remember the times when God stretched His hand for us to grab onto when we needed Him. We must always remember that He is our loving Father, who remembers us always. We must always remember that He is one who provides for us and gives us what’s e have. We must always remember Him for as long as we are able to…
And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day…
– Deuteronomy 8: 18
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”…
– Ecclesiastes 12: 1