What if I forget?

 The sons of Ephraim were archers equipped with bows,
Yet they turned back in the day of battle.
They did not keep the covenant of God
And refused to walk in His law;  They forgot His deeds
And His miracles that He had shown them...  
...Therefore the LORD heard and was full of wrath;
And a fire was kindled against Jacob
And anger also mounted against Israel,
Because they did not believe in God
And did not trust in His salvation.
               Psalm 78:9-22

He brings us out of bondage with miracles and wonders and gives us weapons that are divinely powerful.  He requires us to stand firm, with the armor of Ephesians (chapter 6), and to fight the good fight, contending for the faith.  The sons of Ephraim were equipped as well, "Yet, they turned back in the day of battle."   They forgot His wonderful works.  What a lack of faith!

How often am I like them?  I hate conflict.  I turn back and give up.  I forget God's miracles and past faithfulness--I lose faith.  What is the result for Ephraim?  They are called "rebels" for putting God to the test.  "They did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation."  Verse 33 says, "So He brought their days to an end in futility and their years in sudden terror." 

I'm glad that's not the end of the story.  God's people suffered, and many died, but of those who returned to Him in repentance, they discovered something I have come to know in my own life.

 But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them;
And often He restrained His anger
And did not arouse all His wrath.
Thus He remembered that they were but flesh,
A wind that passes and does not return.
       Psalm 78: 38-39

Even when I am unfaithful, God is faithful.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us.  He promises, "I am YHWH your God, and there is no other; and my people will never be put to shame."   I need to remember His wonderful works, fix my eyes on the author and perfecter of faith, so that I do not grow weary and lose heart.  Don't let me turn back in the day of battle, Lord.  Be faithful to me and help me to stand.

 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58)