Joshua instructed the people to set a memorial of stones after crossing the Jordan River in chapter 4. The people needed a memorial because, like ourselves, they tended to forget the goodness and mighty acts of God on their behalf.
God knows that our road ahead will be hard, just as it would be for Israel as they set out to fulfill God’s plan for their lives. There will be times when they would become discouraged and lose heart. They may even lose sight of God’s purpose for their life. We need to set up memorials so we do not forget God’s goodness and faithfulness.
What God wants the children of Israel to do when times get tough is to remember Him. He delivered us in the past and he will be faithful to us in the present. That will give us the courage to go on with our life. The wisest man in the world, the writer of Proverbs, instructs his son in Chapter 3:56, on the importance of keeping God foremost in our minds. He says, “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.”