But God Remembered

Several times in the Bible, the phrase "God remembered" is used. In my most recent readings, I'd found it in Hannah's story.

Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. (1 Samuel 1:19)

I've lost track of how many times I've prayed over my own life regarding the desire for a baby, "Lord, please remember me! Make good on Your promise."

After the rains of the great flood had stopped, “God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark” (Genesis 8:1). When the Hebrew slaves cried out to the Lord in Egypt, “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant” (Exodus 2:24). And Psalm 98:3 says, “He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel.”

We usually associate the word "remembered" with calling to mind something that was forgotten. But when the Bible speaks of the Lord remembering, it doesn't mean He forgot. Our Creator knows everything and never loses His perfect perception of the facts.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13)

When God remembers, it means that He acts according to His covenant promises, especially in a way evident to His people. We see in each passage that this phrase is followed by some sort of action or work on behalf of God’s people. In Exodus 2:24, the Lord begins His work of redemption after He recalls His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Likewise, God’s remembrance in Genesis 8:1a signals the flood’s end. Noah’s years spent warning others about Jehovah’s judgment (2 Peter 2:5) have not been in vain; God is preserving His people just as He promised (Genesis 6:17–18).

Psalm 98:3 speaks of God’s continual action toward His people. So we can conclude that God never forgets, but instead works endlessly on behalf of those He loves. Passages stating that God "remembers" are always followed by proofs that He never forgets, placing an emphasis on His faithfulness and everlasting care. It's about Him moving into action at the right moment.

In times of despair we may give up hope that the Lord will remember His promises. But we have to stand firm, because although it may seem to us that He is slow to fulfill His Word, He always acts at just the right time.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. (2 Peter 3:8-9a)

Just when the disciples were discouraged over God’s apparent failure to keep His word, our Father raised Jesus to life, declaring Him to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:1-4). The Lord doesn't look at time the same way we do, and so it often seems to us that He doesn't act until the last possible second. In reality, He always moves when the time is right.

This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you... (Isaiah 49:8a)

I've often been tempted to give up my hope in God, but I have to remind myself that the Lord always keeps His promises... "for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).

A friend found me one Sunday and said she had been impressed to share something with me for a couple months, but had put it off. She finally acted on it, thanks to a nudge from another friend who knew I could use the encouragement.

She was reading through Genesis 8 and Ephesians, when three words jumped off the pages and made her think of me. "But God remembered". An uncontrollable smile came across my face at the confirmation of what God was saying. It encouraged her as well, to know God spoke something through her that was so meaningful.

In my heart I prayed: Thank You Lord, for placing the right people in my life at the right time to strengthen me while I wait for You to be glorified. I'm getting more and more excited about what's to come. You are faithful with Your promises. You will remember me and move into action at the right time. You said it, I believe it, that settles it.