Yet Jerusalem says, “The LORD has deserted us;  the Lord has forgotten us.” “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?  Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”

Isaiah 49:14-15

As Israel suffered for her persistent rebellion against the Lord, and as Jerusalem was left in ruins after the Babylonian invasion, how tempting it was for the people to say, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

Yet such was not the case. Comparing himself to a nursing mother who cannot forget her own baby, the Lord reassured his people. He had not forgotten them. Indeed, he had their name inscribed on his hand as a permanent reminder (49:16).

When we go through seasons of suffering, it can seem as if God has forgotten us. We cry out to God in our prayers, but they seem to echo unheard in an empty universe. In these times, we hold on tight to the promises of Scripture. Even as God promised never to forget Israel, so Jesus said that he would be with us always (Matt. 28:20). Through Christ, we know that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39). So, when it seems as if God has deserted us, we find solace and encouragement in the sure word of Scripture. Even as a mother cannot forget her own child, so God will never forget us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have there been times in your life when it seemed as if God had forgotten you? How did you feel in those times? What did you do? Where did you find reassurance?

PRAYER: Gracious Lord, thank you for this reassuring word to Israel . . . and to me. You know how hard it is for us when you seem far away. I know you have your reasons for making yourself less obvious to us, even and especially when we suffer. But it is tough to be on the receiving end of this treatment.

So, thank you for this passage of Scripture, and so many others like it, that offer a word of comfort and hope. Thank you for the rock solid fact that you will not forget us, that nothing can separate us from your love.

Today, Lord, I pray for those who are feeling distant from you, for those who are caught in despair. May they find reassurance in your Word. And may your Spirit stir in their hearts so that they know you have not forgotten them . . . and never will. Amen.