The Lord said, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16 NIV).
As a former foster mother, I love the picture this scripture creates. Although the foster children that entered our lives did not come to stay, each of them is imprinted on my heart forever no matter how long or how short their stay. I never forget them and never stop being concerned about their welfare.
I realize that the love I have for these children is small compared to the love God has for each of us, but it helps me understand His love better. This scripture tells me that just as these foster children are engraved on my heart, we are engraved on the palms of God’s hands. No matter how far we stray from Him or how far He may be from our thoughts, He has chosen to give Himself a permanent reminder we exist.
When I am going through trials, sometimes it feels like God has forgotten me. Sometimes it feels like He is very far away, but always I have His solemn promise that I am engraved on the palms of His hands.
Thank you, Father, that tattoos cannot be erased. Amen.
