Encouragement for Today
 |
July 11, 2025 A Promise for When You Feel Forgotten Lee en español |
“He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:23 (NLT)
My teardrops were mingling with the suds in the sink when the doorbell chimed. I wasn’t a pristine picture of hospitality — my eyes were red, my mind was weary, and my heart was hurting.
For most people, it was just an ordinary Tuesday. But for me, it was a day I’d been dreading.
The date on the calendar that had once marked a celebration was now a disorienting reminder of loss. While the world continued to spin around me as if nothing had changed, I felt alone in my sorrow.
The doorbell rang again. When I cracked open the door, I found my friend offering my signature coffee order in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other.
“I remembered …” she said as she wrapped an arm around me in a tender hug.
It’s the image of my friend on my front step that comes to mind when I read today’s key verse. Near the end of a song extolling God’s deep love for His people, the psalmist declared: “He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 136:23).
At first glance, a nod toward God’s keen memory seems like an underwhelming way to bring this ancient anthem to a close. After all, the preceding lyrical lines celebrate some of the most epic expressions of God’s love ever recorded:
- His miraculous creation (Psalm 136:4-9).
- His resolve to set people free (Psalm 136:10-12).
- His parting of the Red Sea (Psalm 136:13-15).
- His victories in battle (Psalm 136:17-22).
But in verse 23, the psalmist wasn’t praising God for passive pondering or a quiet moment of contemplation. The Hebrew word he used for “remember” is zakar, which means “to recall and act on it.”
Like splitting the sea or speaking the moon into being, God’s remembering implies action.
God moves in response to His memory. Just as my friend didn’t merely acknowledge the date on the calendar — she did something about it.
Sometimes God’s response looks like a timely word spoken to us through Scripture. Other times, it looks like a supernatural shift in our circumstances or an infusion of hope in our hearts. It may also look like His tending to our needs through the presence of a friend or the comfort of community.
While God chooses to express His love for us in different ways, Psalm 136:23 assures us of this one truth:
When we feel weak or defeated, helpless or hurting, we are not alone.
Because remembering is love in action. And we have a heavenly Father who promises never to forget us (Isaiah 49:15).
Dear Jesus, You are God’s ultimate expression of love for me! Holy Spirit, make me more aware of Your personal and powerful ministry to me. Open my eyes to recognize the ways God is responding to my deep needs with His deep love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
The Therapy & Theology podcast exists to help you work through what you’re walking through. With theological wisdom and therapeutic insight, Lysa TerKeurst, counselor Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle put words to struggles and challenges you may be facing but feel ill-equipped to overcome. Right now, they’re talking about red flags to be aware of in relationships. Tune in for yourself!
If you’re looking for a resource to help you draw closer to Jesus, grab a copy of Alicia’s digital devotional Encounter. You can purchase it here.
ENGAGE
Visit Alicia at her website for more encouragement and a digital download to remind you of God’s love when you feel forgotten. Or connect with her on Instagram today.
Did you know you can now receive Encouragement for Today Devotions seven days a week? That’s right — biblical encouragement and Truth in your inbox not only on every weekday but on weekends too! To start receiving weekend devotions, update your subscription here!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 49:15, “So the LORD answers, ‘Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you’” (GNT).
Ask the Lord to bring to mind someone who needs to be remembered today, and then respond with love in action.
How can you thank God for the specific ways He’s remembered you in your weakness? Share your praises in the comments.
© 2025 by Alicia Bruxvoort. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org