"Never Forgotten"

An elderly couple went to the doctor complaining about their memory loss. The doctor explained it is normal, and suggested they try and write things down. In the evening the husband said, "I'm going to get something to snack on. Do you want something?" "I'll take some ice cream please," said the wife. He started off and she said, "Better write that down." He said, "No need." She added, "Put some strawberries on top, and write this down." He said, "No need." Again she added, "I need some nuts on that too. Better write it down." He gave her a look. Much later he returned with bacon and eggs. "I told you to write it down, " she said, "Where is my toast?"

The older I become, the more truth there is to this humorous little story. We do tend to forget more easily as we grow older. However, we do not have a God who forgets! The prophet Isaiah spoke to the people of Israel long ago about this very truth.

“Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their sorrow. Yet Jerusalem says, ‘The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.’ But the Lord answers, ‘Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand.’” (Isaiah 49:13-17 NLV).

Deep in our hearts we believe in a good God. Yet how shallow is our understanding of His goodness, especially since we see many things that seem to deny it. It is then that we must return to the truth of Scripture and trust in the eternal memory of our heavenly Father. Corrie Ten Boom illustrates this point for us. She wrote:

“Often I have heard people say, ‘How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!’ Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. ‘No, Corrie,’ said Betsie, ‘He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.” ” Corrie concludes, “There is an ocean of God’s love available—there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love—whatever the circumstances.”

Long ago I developed the habit of writing reminders and notes on my hand. You may be thinking, “That’s what my notebook on my Black Berry is for.” I’ve got one of those, and I do know how to use those functions. However, the key for me is I can’t ever lose my hand! God’s writes our names on His hand so that we will ever be before Him. He will NEVER forget us!