I was on my way out the door, in a hurry to get to the store before the storm hit. I didn’t have a grocery list, so I recited the things we needed over and over in my head so as not to forget. By the time I got into the car, I realized I needed to write things down; I had finally reached the age where my short-term memory was starting to fade more quickly. I got into the car and hunted in my purse for paper and something with which to write down the list, but I realized I had no paper. Undaunted, I grabbed my BIC pen and began to write the list on my hand. Have you ever done that? It is usually something very important, something that needs to be remembered.
And so it is with those of us who belong to Christ; we are someone very important to God, someone that needs to be remembered. In Isaiah 48:14, the children of Israel are bemoaning their perception that the Lord has deserted them, that He has forgotten them. The intensity of God’s reply blows me away: “NEVER! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15, 16a, New Living Translation).
The Lord compares His love for Israel to the love a mother has for her newborn, helpless child. Mother’s love is so intense! When her child is finally born and in her arms, all a mother’s emotions come tumbling out of her heart. She would do anything for that child, and God help anyone who tries to come between them! Mama Bear will not allow anything to harm or take that child away from her! And so it is with God’s love for His children; He will never allow anyone to take us out of His hand (John 10:29). He will give us eternal life that no one can take away (John 10:28).
When your life seems out of control, when you find yourself in the midst of a trial, remember: God has not forgotten you. He has written your name in the palm of His hand – His almighty, powerful, righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). There is no need to fear, for He will help you (Isaiah 41:13). He will show you His steadfast, unchanging love for you and will give you refuge from your enemies (Psalm 17:7).
PRAYER:
“And may (I) have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May (I) experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then (I) will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:18, 19, New Living Translation).
~ Cathy Schrock, Writer
~ Laura Strack, Artist
