Who Remembers?

“His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands…  From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field… The Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison… Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” Genesis 39:3,5,21; 40:23

“The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.  The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters…  all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered.  The waters prevailed above the mountains… And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind.  Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died.  He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens… Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark.  And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.” Genesis 7:17-8:1

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:15-16

Joseph had been mistreated and sold into slavery by his contriving, jealous brothers. He’d been seduced by Potiphar’s wife and falsely accused of succumbing. Now he was in prison where no one with any power to change his situation knew or recalled his righteousness. But God. God’s eye was on persistent, loving, providential watch. Though his brothers did all they could to put him out of their minds, and the restored prisoner forgot him, his Lord remembered. (Genesis 37:18-28; 40:1-4,9-15,20-23)

In the weariness of ministry and work, we might think no one notices all we do. As we change roles or age, we wonder if anyone remembers how we served or what we taught or accomplished. When the focus is on me, self-pity and pride rear their ugly heads, but when we turn to the Lord, we know we are known.

The Lord God always remembers His own. We are in His constant keeping and care; His remembering is active, involved, a dynamic never-forgetting and constant thoughtfulness. Nothing that transpires is a surprise to Him who has dominion over heaven and earth. He promises never to leave or forsake His children. (Exodus 2:23-25; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 139:2-3; Hebrews 6:10)

Where have we slipped into woe-is-me thinking? In what situations do we feel neglected, discarded, forgotten? What comfort and joy is ours when we remember God’s promises and presence!

Father, help me remember You as completely as You remember me, always for good and for Your praise and glory.