Isaiah 48:12-52:12
Isaiah 49:15b-16, “…I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before me.”
Have you ever written on your hand to remind of something important? Our hands are constantly before us — we look at them a lot, whether we realize it or not. Take a step further for those fond of “ink art.” Granted, some tattoos are face-to-palm what-was-I-thinking (or not thinking) regrets. But, most of the time, people get tattoos of memorable or meaningful things to them — an intentional permanent outward display of what they want to remember. With that in mind, reread today’s verse above.
“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” What beautiful imagery! We are always seen and remembered by our great God. He holds us close in His care, never overlooking any need, never distracted or lost in thought. We are on His mind 24/7. The vastness of His mind, His thoughts, and knowledge are unfathomable. There’s nothing He doesn’t know. So, again, let this sink in: You are a permanent mark! Before the world began, you were already thought of, already part of God’s great plans and purpose.
Although this verse was spoken to Jews in the Old Testament, how much more meaningful is it to us today as we think about the nail-pierced hands of Christ! He suffered beyond belief, died a shameful death, and rose again for our sins so that the Father could look at us as He does Jesus. Our souls have been permanently marked with a giant “R” — the ultimate and transcendent tattoo reminder that we are declared righteous and redeemed by God’s grace, forgiven, and forever His child. Marinate on that today! Allow your heart to be infiltrated by Christ’s love and give thanks. Because, right now, God is definitely thinking about you!
Heavenly Father, Thank You for always keeping me at the forefront of your thoughts. I adore You, and thank You for this perfect reminder of Your constant presence and provision in my life. Amen.