God Knows You Personally

The Jews were in exile.  Their hearts were filled with gloom.  They cried out, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14).  They not only felt that he had forsaken them, but that he had also forgotten their names!  In verse 15 we read, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?” That’s a compelling question.  Can a mom ever forget the name of her child?  That’s why Isaiah said this in the second part of verse 15: “Even [mothers] may forget, yet I will not forget you."  God will never forget you.  In verse 16, he says, “Behold, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.”  Think about that.  God has your name tattooed on his palms.  He looks at your name regularly.  When he sees your name, it brings a smile to his eternal visage. God values memory.  He must.  He never forgets our name.  Therefore, let’s use the gift of memory in our fight against the enemy.  If God knows you personally and will never forget your name, that must mean he knows all about your worries as well.  Every single one.  When you cast them on the Lord, you can count on him taking care of them.  He will carry them because he cares for you. When the enemy attacks you with worry, counterpunch with your memory.  Fight back by never forgetting.  Remember God’s many miracles in the Bible, especially the parting of the Red Sea and the resurrection.  Remember your baptism. Recollect the miracles God has done for you.  Retell these stories to your soul.  Out loud, if necessary.  Multiple times.  Find a friend or family member and relive the memories.  Telling the stories makes them become real to you once more. Remember that God knows you by name and will never forget you.  Your name is engraved on his palms and etched in his heart.  That’s how much he loves you. To combat worry, remember. Your memory is a potent gift the Father has given you to chase anxiety away.