In 2004, a woman named Claire contracted viral encephalitis. After treatment for her illness at a local hospital, she returned home. But her memory had been dramatically affected. Claire developed a condition known as prosopagnosia—the inability to recognize faces. After several years of effort, she can finally pick out her husband’s countenance in a crowd, but she still can’t point out her children if they’re with a group of friends.

Claire’s condition reminds me of something Moses warned the Israelites about—forgetting the face of God. Just prior to God’s people concluding their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, at the doorstep to the Promised Land, the prophet gave them a loving warning: “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commands” (Deuteronomy 8:11). Moses knew that in Canaan the people would trade tents for “fine homes” and manna for bountiful buffets of food that would leave them “full” (Deuteronomy 8:12).

When prosperous days come calling (Deuteronomy 8:12), you and I are often tempted to forget what God has done for us (Deuteronomy 8:15). We become proud and convinced that our goods and great success came about by our “own strength and energy” (Deuteronomy 8:14,17). It’s a subtle change that happens as we leave humility (caused by humble circumstances) and embrace arrogance and self-reliance (prompted by prosperity).

If things are going well for you today, drop to your knees and humbly thank God. “He is the One who gives you power to be successful” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Don’t forget His face.

If you’re being humbled by life’s challenges, thank God for this “wilderness” that can cause you to seek and depend on Him. Although we sometimes forget His face, He never forgets ours.