Visual Reminders

by Annie Yorty

How do you remember things you forgot? Our human tendency to forget, overlook, or ignore God’s instructions invites us to seek God’s visual reminders that keep Him uppermost in our minds.

Visual Reminders in Everyday Life

I can’t say I’ve ever seen someone tie a string around their finger as a visual reminder, but I’m told this technique jogs memory. With an alternative method, people associate an object with a related task to prompt recall. For example, a leash hanging on the doorknob reminds you the dog needs to take a walk. A mnemonic is another memory practice in which you create a word using the first letters of items or activities you don’t want to forget.

I employ visual memory strategies too. I write lists and check them throughout the day. To keep God’s Word in mind, I copy Bible verses on brightly colored sticky notes and post them in places I’m sure to notice. Throughout sixteen homeschooling years, my computer screen scrolled a Bible verse about God’s call for me to teach my kids and His faithfulness to accomplish the plan.

God’s Visual Reminders

What do tassels, hammered metal, and a staff have in common? All became visual reminders for God’s people to obey Him.

Tassels

The book of Numbers tells about an often contentious relationship between God and the Israelites. En route to the promised land, they learned God’s plan to make them His own holy people. Though they saw constant evidence of His presence and provision, they cycled through periods of disobedience.

During one rebellious stretch, God ordered three successive reminders to protect people from disobedience. In the first instance, a man had worked on the Sabbath day, which God set aside for rest. The serious nature of the offense demanded an equally serious consequence. God decreed the entire congregation must stone the transgressor to death.

To help His people avoid future sin, God instructed them to attach tassels to the hems of their clothing as a visual reminder.

When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. (Numbers 15:39-40 NLT)

Hammered Metal

A short time later, a man named Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, God’s designated leaders. In a bid to horn in on the priestly duties reserved for Aaron, Korah’s followers persuaded most of the congregation to join their attempt to overthrow God’s order.

God quickly dispatched justice against the instigators, and then He told Moses to create another visual reminder for the people.

Take the incense burners of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, and hammer the metal into a thin sheet to overlay the altar. Since these burners were used in the Lord’s presence, they have become holy. Let them serve as a warning to the people of Israel. (Numbers 16:38 NLT)

A Staff

Wouldn’t you know, just a day later, God’s people once again grumbled against Him and His leaders. Though they deserved to be annihilated for this sin, Moses interceded for them, and God tempered His judgment. To confirm His choice of Aaron as their priest, God caused Aaron’s staff to miraculously sprout and produce ripe almonds overnight. The staff became another visual reminder for the people to remember to wholeheartedly follow God.

And the Lord said to Moses: “Place Aaron’s staff permanently before the Ark of the Covenant to serve as a warning to rebels. This should put an end to their complaints against me and prevent any further deaths.” (Numbers 17:10 NLT)

Reminders from God Today

Now that I have a few decades of life with God in my rear-view mirror, I look back and recognize some reminders He’s given to me.

My daughter, who has Down syndrome, brings to mind a lesson about making God’s kingdom my first priority and allowing Him to sort out all the other parts of life I worry about. My diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis reminds me to thank God for functional arms and legs. Mementos from my missions in various parts of the world remind me of God’s command to share the good news of Jesus every day. These and other reminders keep my mind focused on following God.

What visual reminders has God given you?

The Key to Reminders

Our snapshot from the life of Moses shows reminders serve a purpose, but they also have limitations. The ancient Israelites experienced God’s presence among them and benefitted from His miraculous provision. They received His commands directly through Moses. Despite these advantages, they usually overlooked the specific visual reminders God gave them.

From our vantage point in history, we might shake our heads and judge the obstinate Israelites. Before we ride the high horse of self-righteousness, let’s remember we have the same human tendency to forget God.

How can we heed God’s gracious visual reminders to honor and obey Him?

Remember my sticky note habit? When I first place them, they stand out and prompt my memory. But over time, my eyes ignore the fluorescent colors that previously snagged my attention. Maybe you’ve noticed the same issue with your visual reminders.

3 Ways to Heed God’s Visual Reminders

When we study the history of God’s people and our own experiences, we must admit we need a daily plan to consciously heed God’s reminders.

1. Ask God for help.

God is a constant supply of help (Psalm 46:1). In fact, He designed us to need Him. When we admit our spiritual poverty, He always comes through.

2. Study the Bible.

Only God’s Word has the power to renew and transform our minds. His truth trains us to be obedient, righteous, and holy (2 Timothy 3:16).

3. Meditate on God’s character.

God’s Word teaches us about His character. When we reflect on our Lord and apply the truth about Him to our hearts and lives, we will be more likely to love and obey Him (1 John 2:5).

A String to Remember

I wonder if the strategy of tying a string around your finger to remember comes from God’s Word.

Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. (Proverbs 7:2-3 NLT)

Friends, let’s intentionally take advantage of every visual reminder to heed God’s instructions and warnings so we may live holy lives that are worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

Join the conversation:

What visual reminders help you to remember to follow God wholeheartedly?

I welcome your comments.

Copyright ©2025 Annie Yorty