Unforgotten

Relationships_Chispa MagazineOut of sight, out of mind. The statement sounds crass, yet I don’t intend it to be hurtful. Still, the fact remains: we are all “forgettable.” Over time many of our relationships are diminished by the reality of the “out of sight, out of mind” factor. Admittedly, it can be harsh and discouraging.

Forgettable Us.
Somewhere along the way, we’ve all been disappointed to learn that friendships which once seemed so authentic, connected, and enduring became distant, shallow, and eventually non-existent. Perhaps one of you relocated, changed departments at work, or moved to a different church. Before long, the friend doesn’t return your calls. Your attempts to stay in touch via email fall flat. You’ve officially become classified: “out of sight, out of mind.”

Even as a pastor I’ve known this dynamic of human relationships. You pour your heart out each week to teach the word, you counsel, you marry, you encourage, and pray together. Some change occurs that eventually leaves you wondering if they even remember your investment. You become another statistic in the “out of sight, out of mind” journey.

But I am not a victim because I have unintentionally done the same to others. I wanted to stay in touch. I planned to write back. I made a note to return that call. Life got busy. I became totally engrossed in the task at hand and absorbed with the people right in front of me. Before I realized it, I drifted from that once-treasured friend because of busyness, neglect, and distraction.

It even happens with family. The little girl you raised, loved, and nurtured grew up and moved away. Perhaps she married and started a family. Pretty soon the demands of job, marriage, and motherhood become all-consuming. You know she loves you but you seldom hear from her and half the time your calls are ignored. Out of sight, out of mind.

Never Out of Sight.
Now that we are all thoroughly depressed about the fragile and fleeting nature of our relationships, here is a powerful dose of positive encouragement. With the Lord, you are never out of sight or out of mind.

The Bible tells us, “For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps” (Job 34:21). Proverbs 15:3 reiterates, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” The New Testament confirms, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

As His children we have the reassurance that He never loses sight of us. Even before we were born, His eyes were on us. “My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret…Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed” (Psalm 139:15-16). Psalm 33:18 assures us, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.” Psalm 34:15 tells us, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” In Psalm 33:18 the Lord promises, “I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (NASB). The hymn-writer exclaimed, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

Photo by Will Milne
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Daniel Henderson

Daniel Henderson

StrategicRenewal.com
Daniel Henderson is a pastor, preacher, renewal catalyst, leadership coach, author, husband, father, grandfather and (most importantly) a passionate Christ-follower. As a senior pastor for over two decades, he has brought prayer-based revitalization to several mega-churches. Today, Daniel is dedicating his full-time efforts to help congregations across the country experience renewal and turn-around as he speaks to thousands each year at conferences and prayer events. He is President of Strategic Renewal, which exists to ignite personal renewal, congregational revival, and leadership restoration for Christ’s glory.
Daniel Henderson

Latest posts by Daniel Henderson (see all)

Daniel Henderson

Daniel Henderson is a pastor, preacher, renewal catalyst, leadership coach, author, husband, father, grandfather and (most importantly) a passionate Christ-follower. As a senior pastor for over two decades, he has brought prayer-based revitalization to several mega-churches. Today, Daniel is dedicating his full-time efforts to help congregations across the country experience renewal and turn-around as he speaks to thousands each year at conferences and prayer events. He is President of Strategic Renewal, which exists to ignite personal renewal, congregational revival, and leadership restoration for Christ’s glory.