Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands . . . (Isaiah 49:16)

 

While waiting with my sick children to see a pediatrician, I noticed a face that looked familiar. As she came closer with her two kids in tow, I was pleasantly surprised that I remembered her name and that she was a classmate from back in my secondary-school days. However, what could have been an exciting reunion turned slightly embarrassing when I went over to say hello and she didn’t recognize me or recall my name — even after I introduced myself! I was even more perplexed by this encounter since she is a Facebook “friend” of mine. However, it dawned on me how easily the roles could have been reversed, that I could have been the one who had forgotten her name. This experience reminded me how grateful I am that I have a God who not only calls me friend but whose palms are inscribed with my name. I marvel that while I struggle to recall the name of a few hundred acquaintances and former colleagues, God invites all 7.6 billion people on this earth to be his close friends! My prayer is that I will cultivate a meaningful, personal relationship with God so that I can recognize God’s voice and follow God’s will every day. 

 

Dear God, thank you for loving us and calling us each by name. Amen. 

 

When I read this devotion I was instantly reminded of Luke 12:7, But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. No matter what difficulty your facing today be encouraged, you are more than a friend to God, your name is inscribed in the palm of his hand. Wow! God loves you far more than you can even imagine, what love. Remember today, you are loved more than you will ever know by someone who died to know you. 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 6:6-7