When Plenty Forgets the Provider: A Call to Remember

When Plenty Forgets the Provider

Deuteronomy 8:11-20

11 “Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God by failing to keep his commands, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today. 12 When you eat and are full, and build beautiful houses to live in, 13 and your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases, 14 be careful that your heart doesn’t become proud and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. 15 He led you through the great and terrible wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty land where there was no water. He brought water out of the flint rock for you.

16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your ancestors had not known, in order to humble and test you, so that in the end he might cause you to prosper. 17 You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’

18 but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm his covenant he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. 19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods to serve them and bow in worship to them, I testify against you today that you will certainly perish. 20 Like the nations the Lord is about to destroy before you, you will perish if you do not obey the Lord your God.

Main idea: "True abundance comes from acknowledging God as our only source of provision, especially in prosperous times."

Picture this: Moses, an experienced leader who has guided his people for many years, stands before the Israelites to share his final thoughts. They are gathered at the edge of the Promised Land—a beautiful place full of resources, where they can find plenty of food and happiness. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, their shoes have worn out from walking on the desert sand. During this time, they have survived thanks to God's everyday miracles—food falling from the sky, water bursting from a rock, and a guiding fire shining bright through the darkest nights. After years of challenges and divine help, they are finally about to enter a new chapter—one where they can grow crops, build homes, and truly flourish.

But Moses pauses. He looks into the eyes of this generation—some too young to remember Egypt, others still carrying the scars of slavery—and he knows something about human nature. He's seen it before: how quickly people forget the God who delivered them when their stomachs are full and their troubles fade. They had no choice but to depend on God for survival in the wilderness. Every meal was a gift from heaven; every step forward was guided by His hand. Yet now, as they stand on the edge of prosperity, Moses fears they'll trade gratitude for pride, worship for self-sufficiency. His warning cuts through the air with urgency: Don't let prosperity make you forget God.

This message isn't just for a specific group of people—it's a lesson that resonates with all of us. Let's take a moment to consider the journey of the Israelites. They faced many difficulties along the way—hunger, thirst, and danger were always present during their time in the desert. But through it all, God remained faithful to them. He miraculously parted the Red Sea to help them escape, provided food when they were hungry, and guided them when lost.

As they prepare to enter a land filled with abundance, Moses understands that this is where the real test begins. Prosperity can challenge our faith even more than tough times. In the desert, they had no choice but to depend on God.

But when they arrive in the Promised Land, surrounded by fertile fields and flowing rivers, they might start to think, "I did this. My hard work built this life." The lesson here is to stay humble and remember the source of our blessings, regardless of our circumstances.

Does this sound familiar? In today’s world, we are surrounded by a different kind of wealth—success, technology that makes life easier, and countless chances to pursue “more.” Our society often praises self-sufficiency, leading us to believe that our achievements, money, and security are solely the results of our hard work. It can be easy to fall into the thinking that says, “I earned this. I don’t need help from anyone.” However, there’s a warning from Moses that still holds today. When everything is going well—when we have enough money, a good job, and our needs are met—do we still remember to turn to the One who made it all possible? Or do we, like the Israelites in the past, start to forget?

Here’s the challenge: When things are going well in life, it can affect our gratitude and reveal what’s in our hearts. When facing tough times, we often pray for help and seek out God. But when we find ourselves in a place of abundance—like getting a new job, having a stable home, or enjoying a peaceful moment—do we still turn to God with the same passion? Do we remember that all good things come from Him? As we enter these times of plenty, let’s keep in mind the wise words of Moses: Don’t forget about God when life is good. The critical question is, how will we respond?

Moses stands before the Israelites, speaking calmly but with deep understanding, as they prepare to enter a land filled with wealth and resources. He’s not just offering encouragement; he’s giving them an important message. Good times are ahead, but with those times comes a risk: the chance of forgetting the God who has brought them to this point. In Deuteronomy 8:11-20, Moses provides a straightforward guide to help keep their hearts grounded. This message isn’t only for them; it’s relevant for all of us. Whether in a phase of abundance or hoping for a brighter future, Moses highlights three key areas to focus on so we don’t lose sight of the One who makes it all happen.

Here's how he breaks it down:

First, "Remember in Prosperity" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14)—Don’t let the joyful moments make you forget about the God who has always been by your side.

Next, "Reflect on God's Faithfulness"(Deuteronomy 8:15-16)—Reflect on how He has taken care of you in the past, and allow that to strengthen your trust in Him today.

Finally, "Rely on God Alone" (Deuteronomy 8:17-20)—Stay focused on the reliable source (God) of all your good things, or you might end up losing everything.

These words aren't just from the past—they can guide our lives today. Moses encourages us to pay attention as we prepare to step into new beginnings, whether it’s a fresh opportunity, a time of stability, or a moment of calm. Let's look at his first piece of advice and explore what it means to us.

Transition to Verse 11:

Picture the Israelites again: they’ve survived the wilderness, leaning on God for every bite of food and every drop of water. Now, prosperity looms—vineyards to tend, houses to build, a life of ease. But Moses knows human nature. He’s seen how quickly we forget when our hands are full. So he begins with a warning that cuts straight to the heart: “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11). Let’s dive into what it means to remember in prosperity and how we can live it out today.