Engraved on the Palms of His Hands

“Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16).

Would you believe that the tattoo industry is the 6th fastest growing industry in the United States today? Current statistics point out that 36% of adults between 18-25 years of age; and 40% between 26-40 years of age have at least one tattoo. In 2008, the American Academy of Dermatology reported that roughly one quarter of the American population has at least one tattoo. Yes indeed, tattooing is big business.
 
In that light, are you surprised to learn that God has a tattoo? According to Isaiah, God has your name and mine engraved on the palm of his hand. The word “engraved” means to inscribe or to mark out. God has the names of his children marked out and inscribed on His palm.

How many of you have written a phone number on your palm? We do that so we won’t forget. Well, although it’s impossible for God to forget anything, I derive great comfort from knowing that He cares about me so much that my name is written on His palm.

The above passage particularly caught my attention this past week as I listened to several friends share the trials and pain they were experiencing; some due to wounds inflicted through past events, others through current circumstances that seem overwhelmingly painful. On more than one occasion, I’ve heard people say, “I feel as if God has forgotten me.” Likely we’ve all felt that way at one time or another.

Is it not of great comfort to know that no matter how difficult, unexpected, troublesome and painful our circumstances might be at any given moment, God does not forget us because our names are tattooed on his hand? That speaks of his concern, care and interest in every event that enters our lives. Further, given his sovereignty over everything that enters our lives, the things that cause us uncertainty and pain have already crossed through his hands, the very palms that have our names engraved upon them.

Do you find yourself in a troubling season of life at present? Is there a degree of uncertainty and doubt regarding whether God cares about you and your circumstances? Does your future look uncertain and your past bring only painful memories? Trust me in this. God knows. He knows because your name is tattooed on his palm. He has not and will not forget you and your circumstances. That’s how much He is interested in you!