Isaiah has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible because it speaks of restoration, comfort, deliverance, and hope. This morning in my quiet time I flipped open my Bible to Isaiah 49, which speaks of the restoration of Israel. Take a look below.
But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me.”
“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! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 49: 14-16
God’s promise of restoration often comes at times where we feel restoration is hopeless. As I read the scriptures, I could relate to being like Zion, saying, “God doesn’t care about me. Where is God? I don’t matter to God.” I can’t even type those thoughts without tears welling up in my eyes because I remember how dark those times were for me. And while those were real feelings, feelings aren’t FACTS. The TRUTH is, God has always been present in my life, just as he has been in yours.
I asked Jesus into my heart at 6 years old. The first conversation I had with God was at 7 years old when I prayed Isaiah 6:8 for the first time. God knew just how much I would need him, and I believe that’s why He revealed himself to me at a very young age. Did bad choices and bad circumstances have consequences in my life? YES. I had to do a lot of reaping of things that weren’t quite so lovely. But I love this love note from God that reminds all of us, no matter what, that He has never left or forsaken us:
v. 16). “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
The definition of engrave means to literally scratch or scrape. Seriously!? God loves you so much that he has YOU tattooed on his hands?! I can’t help thinking of Tommy Boy: “That’s gonna leave a mark!”
But what about your walls?
In the Bible, walls symbolize protection, security, a place of shelter. During the time of Nehemiah, the restored walls of Jerusalem became a unifying force for God’s people, a symbol of inheritance and belonging. When the walls of Jerusalem were intact, it served as an indication to God’s people that God’s hand of protection and prosperity was on them. God is saying he’s ensuring you’re protected. I’d even go as far to say, he’s watching for possible breaches, and if you’re in fellowship with Him, He’ll tell you and show you how to correct them.
As believers living in a chaotic world, it’s absolutely necessary to remember that God isn’t like us. He’s God! He doesn’t make empty promises. He doesn’t make plans for us only to cancel at the last minute. He doesn’t say kind things, only to turn his back and speak ill of us. He’s not a surface friend- someone you can’t go into deep conversation with. He doesn’t ghost (except for the holy ghost, ha). His ways are not our ways. He He hasn’t forgotten you. He can’t. You are engraved on Him.
For more on the book of Isaiah (Yes, do it. Isaiah is amazing!), watch this video: Isaiah for the Visual Learner
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