The Daily Devotional for Sunday, December 10, 2023: God Won’t Forget You

 

The Daily Devotional
Sunday, December 10, 2023

God Won’t Forget You

I will not forget you!
Isaiah 49:15c (NIV)

Reflection:

As a child, Karen had a passion for collecting postage stamps. This hobby caught the attention of her grandfather, whom she affectionately called Angkong, a term from the Fukienese dialect meaning "grandfather." Angkong, who worked in an office, started to set aside stamps from his daily mail especially for Karen. During her visits to her grandparents, Angkong would present her with an envelope brimming with a diverse collection of beautiful stamps. He once shared with her, “Even though I’m always busy, I won’t forget you.”

Karen's grandfather, Angkong, was not known for openly expressing his emotions, yet Karen deeply felt his love. This subtle yet potent connection mirrors the profound love God showed towards Israel. In their time of suffering in Babylon, due to their previous idolatry and disobedience, the Israelites cried out in despair, “The Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14). God, however, responded with a reassurance of His unchanged love, promising them forgiveness and restoration, as depicted in verses 8 to 13 of the same chapter.

In our daily lives, amidst the chaos and rush, it's common to feel unnoticed, neglected, or just another face in the crowd. The world often reduces us to mere numbers, making us feel forgotten. Yet, in this sea of anonymity, Isaiah 49:15c shines as a beacon of divine truth. God declares, "I will not forget you." This statement, simple in words but profound in meaning, reminds us of God’s personal and intimate love. Unlike the fleeting memories of the world, God’s remembrance of us is constant and intentional. He chooses to keep us in His thoughts and plans, affirming that in His eyes, we are more than just statistics; we are His beloved children, eternally cherished and always remembered.

Application:

• Personalization: Take a moment to internalize this truth. Say to yourself, “God will not forget me.” Let this truth sink into your heart and mind.

• Trust in His Remembrance: Whenever you feel forgotten by the world, remember that God's remembrance is active. He is involved in your life, working things out for your good.

• Reflect God's Remembrance: Just as God remembers us, we are called to remember others. Who in your life needs to be reminded that they are not forgotten? Reach out to them with love and care.

Prayer of Response:

Dear Lord, thank You for the beautiful assurance that You will never forget us. In moments of loneliness and doubt, remind us of Your steadfast love and constant remembrance. Help us to embody this love in our interactions with others, so they too may feel remembered and valued. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought:

God has said, "I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Isaiah 49:16), a promise He made to Israel and one that echoes to us even now. As you go about your day, embrace the comforting realization that you are constantly in God's thoughts, permanently etched into the palms of His hands, never forgotten. In a way reminiscent of how Angkong's collected stamps and kind words symbolized his affection for Karen, God extends His hand of forgiveness as an unending sign of His love. Let this serve as an encouragement for us to appreciate His unwavering love, a love that remains vigilant and never fails to recognize us.