GOD REMEMBERS

 

Sometimes the Bible uses expressions to help us better understand God’s actions. At times, the writers describe God as if He has human qualities like ours. We call this anthropomorphism. When God says that He will forgive people, it is described as Him forgetting their sins (Isa 43:25; Jer 31:34; Heb 8:12). When God shows His favor to people after seemingly withholding it for quite some time, it is said that God remembers them. Does God forget? Obviously not. But through these expressions, we see His character more clearly.

I like the way the biblical authors use the phrase “God remembers” in their narratives. Whenever the author says that God remembered the biblical characters, we can already expect a twist in the story. The narrative is about to change!

After the great flood, God remembered Noah and those with him, so He made the waters recede (Gen 8:1). After the wicked cities were destroyed, God remembered Abraham, so He saved Lot (Gen 19:29). After a long season of waiting, God remembered Rachel and gave her Joseph (Gen 30:22). After many years of shame, God remembered Hannah and gave her Samuel (1 Sam 1:19). After a long period of slavery, God remembered the Israelites and sent Moses to deliver them (Ex 2:24). Perhaps because of uncertainties, hardships, unanswered prayers, and the long wait, these people thought that maybe God had already forgotten them. And then suddenly, God entered the scene to change the course of the story.

He remembers them.

In truth, they were never once forgotten. God had hidden the names of His people in His heart. “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isa 49:15). Again and again, God shows that He is faithful to His promise that He will never leave nor forsake His beloved (Heb 13:5–6; Deut 31:6). Even in His suffering, Christ assured the dying thief that He would not forget him (Lk 23:42–43). God remembers those who are precious to Him. Often, it’s simply that our timing does not align with His.

Perhaps right now we are in the middle of waiting, in uncertainty, and feel imprisoned in a situation we cannot escape. Disappointments. Broken relationships. Financial struggles. Health issues. Even when we do not understand the timing of when God will step in to change the course of the story—or if He will change it at all—we can rest assured that God has not forgotten us.

God has not forgotten you.

Though at times He seems silent and distant, and things don’t go as planned, we can trust the God who never forgets to always have our best interests in His heart. Lord, remember us. Stay Curious.