When You Feel Forgotten - Your Nightly Prayer - December 11th
When You Feel Forgotten
Your Nightly Prayer
by Chelsea Ohlemiller
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." - Isaiah 49:16
SOMETHING TO PONDER
The sanctuary is crowded, filled to maximum capacity, and yet, somehow, I feel alone. I feel forgotten. I feel invisible.
The Christmas decorations have replaced the typical décor. The room is filled with light and love and people. And still, it’s as if I’m standing out of sight, as if I’m in the vortex of a holiday storm that swirls around me while I remain unmoved inside. God is in this room, I can feel it, and also, my heart feels as if his care and visibility are for the others, not for me.
In my life, I’ve felt forgotten more times than I can count. Grief, turmoil, and life’s unknowns have suddenly invaded that feeling in my faith and my relationship with the Lord. Who am I to be remembered? Who am I to be loved? Who am I to be worthy of God’s acknowledgement and presence?
Before my mind can swirl in the messiness, I ground myself in the truth I’ve learned in these walls, the words and faith I’ve been taught while kneeling in these pews. Over and over again, I’ve heard God’s word imply, “forgetting you is impossible.”
Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” This profound scripture shows a permanent and intimate promise from God that says we can never be forgotten.
We have been engraved on his hands, not written, but engraved, on a place that is visible and close, always. What powerful promises. What intentional selections.
We may feel alone. We might even feel forgotten. But feelings and thoughts aren’t always grounded in truth. God promised that we are precious to him, that we are under his care, that we are close, and that we are not forgotten, nor ever will be, not inside the walls of the church, not inside the walls of our homes, and not when walking the world beyond both of those places. There is simply no time or place where we are out of God’s sight or his care.
Christmas is an excellent reminder of the fulfillment of this promise. Our earthly ache and longing are often more visible under the sparkly and colorful lights. The beauty and comfort come when we reflect on God’s unique and priceless gift: the same hands that hold the world are the same hands that reached down to hold us, just as Isaiah 49:16 promises. He sent his son, the ultimate promise, not only in thought, but in presence.
Every day we breathe provides evidence of this promise, but on Christmas, the truth and the impact of it surround us in extraordinary and sacred ways.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Lord,
Remind me this Christmas season, and always, that I am never forgotten. Remind me of your promise that forgetting me is impossible. Lift and ground me in the truth of his word, not the complexities of my thoughts and mind, as they are often not built on truth or accuracy. When I see the twinkle of the holiday spirit and I feel lonely, even when in crowded rooms, it fills me with the reminder that I am engraved on the palms of your hands, indefinitely, forever. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1- A time recently when you felt invisible or forgotten. Can you look from the outside, from a new perspective, and find ways that God was present with you, even if you couldn’t feel it or see it at the time?
2- Encourage yourself to spend a few minutes each day sitting with a candle, a cross, the glisten of holiday decor, and repeat the truth of Isaiah 49:16- “I am engraved on his hands. He came for me.” Allow this truth to replace your feelings of being unseen or forgotten.
3- Trace your hand and write the names of those whom you entrust to God’s care this holiday season, knowing they will never be forgotten, nor can you.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Kerkez
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