Isaiah 49: 14, 16 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;

my Lord has forgotten me.” Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

Recently I read a passage from Charles Spurgeon on these verses and I was greatly convicted and moved to tears. How quickly our feeble hearts lose hope in times of trouble. When God does not answer our prayers immediately, when things don’t go as we planned, we assume God has forgotten us.

Have you noticed how movies often portray a soldier’s undying love by a picture in the cockpit, in their inside pocket or inside their helmet? They keep it on their body or in clear view so they are always reminded who they are fighting for. These are emotional scenes, because the viewer understands exactly where the character’s thoughts are constantly drawn, and without words it portrays love.

God does not have a fragile picture of us tucked into his robe or in his pocket. According to this verse, he has engraved us on the palm of his hand. This is an indelible image that cannot be removed, and every time he sees it or thinks of it, he will be reminded of his people engraved on his very flesh. What an awe inspiring image this conjures.

Jesus bears a stark reminder on the palms of his hands as well. These are the scars he bore to rescue me from death. Is it a coincidence that both of these reminders are in an impossible place for him to forget? How it must sadden him when we doubt his devotion. We are never misplaced, we are never forgotten, and we are always on his mind. We don’t deserve this favor, but he willingly bestows it. So, when you think God has forsaken you or no longer hears your prayers, remember that he can never forget you. You are engraved on the palms of his hands.