You are Never Forgotten

Everyone encounters seasons where we feel forgotten by others. During these moments, what matters is focusing on the promise that God is in control of our circumstances, and knowing and believing that He will place us on the hearts and minds of others according to his timing.

Read Genesis chapter 40. Even while imprisoned, the Lord showed favor to Joseph, and he was placed in charge of the other captives. And we see in this passage that he was attentive and compassionate toward those cared for, which included King Pharaoh’s own cup-bearer and baker. He noticed their sadness one day and inquired why. Each of them had a separate dream in the night that left them dejected and confused as they struggled to discern the meaning. After first giving credit to God, Joseph told each man the interpretations of their dreams. The baker’s dream foretold of his death, while the cup-bearer’s dream foretold of his release from prison and restoration to office. Joseph asked but one thing of the cup-bearer, that he would remember him when he was once again working in the presence of the King, and help free him.

In three days, both dreams came to pass exactly as Joseph foretold. But the cup-bearer made no mention of Joseph to the King, in fact, he forgot him altogether. I can only imagine how Joseph’s heart lost hope a little more each day, as he slowly came to the conclusion that he had been forgotten. He had served the cup-bearer with compassion, even gave of his spiritual gift to interpret dreams, yet was forgotten.

By this time in Joseph’s life, he had come to know that the only one worthy of trust was God himself. People, sometimes even your own family, will forsake you. It is the result of fallen human beings living in a fallen world. But because of the transcendent nature of God, we still have the possibility of immense hope, even when others fail us. In fact, our hope need not falter at all when our life seems to go up in smoke. When we encounter strife, pain, or even tragic disaster that turns our world upside down, we will feel sadness, grief, and confusion, but if it goes beyond, toward hopelessness and desolation, that’s a sign our hope and trust was placed in the person, and not the God, behind our circumstances. God remembers you, always.