Isaiah 49:14-16 (CEB)

14 But Zion says, “The Lord has abandoned me;
    my Lord has forgotten me.”
15 Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    fail to pity the child of her womb?
        Even these may forget,
        but I won’t forget you.
16 Look, on my palms I’ve inscribed you;
    your walls are before me continually.


Reflection

Have you ever written a note to yourself on your hand? It’s literally the WORST way to remember something. After a few minutes, especially if you’re nervous, the ink begins to smear and then pretty soon your note reads, “bgrklty dwpr.” Not helpful.

But when God says, “Look, I’ve got your name inscribed on the palm of my hand,” it’s not as though the ink will fade. This word inscribed literally means, “to cut into.” In other words, your name is tattooed on the hand of God.

God CAN’T forget you, any more than a Mom could forget her nursing baby. God is aware of your needs. God wants to show you compassion and care.

The people of Israel constantly wrestled with the feeling that God had abandoned and forgotten them. The nation often seemed to lurch from crisis to crisis. When the people struggled to see God’s work during the time of the Babylonian captivity, God responded through the prophet Isaiah to say, “Don’t worry Zion, I won’t forget.” (Zion is another name for Jerusalem, Israel’s ancient capital.)

When you are in trouble, and asking God, “Where are you? Have you forgotten me?” Rest assured that God has not abandoned you. Rest assured that God’s answer is always, “No, my dear child. How could I ever forget you?” The ink God uses never fades. God always remembers. Your name is tattooed on God’s hand!

By Joe Monahan


For Pondering & Prayer

Can you recall a time when you felt God had abandoned you? Looking back, do you still think that was true? Or were there people and places where you were able to see God, even in the midst of tremendous difficulty?

Prayer: Loving God, you have promised to always be with us. You have given us the greatest gift you could ever give: yourself. Through the sacrifice of Jesus and the encouraging presence of the Spirit, we know that you have not forgotten us. Amen.