Live Your Blessing February 6, 2026 Devotional

ISAIAH 49:15-16 | ¹⁵Can a woman forget her nursing child or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these might forget, yet I will not forget you. ¹⁶ See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

God notices everything about us, with profound tenderness and also with a fierce intensity. The image Isaiah uses is that our names are inscribed into His hands. The word inscribes, Dave Peterson tells us, means etched or cut into something. This process with a human being creates a permanent scar. When a scab is picked or irritated, the marks deepen into permanence. There is a global practice of this kind of "etching" or inscription that reflects this ancient practice.

 We are like, the prophet tells us, scars on God. Our brokenness wounds Him and leaves a permanent mark. This image becomes real when Jesus suffered on the cross and after His resurrection He still bore the marks of the nails on His hands and feet. Those scars born for us, like our inscribed names, deepen the tie with Him, and make beautiful the bond we have been through our brokenness. God sees all our struggles and is not put off or discouraged by our failures.

Do you notice others with a fierce appreciation that embraces despite flaws?

Gracious God,

Your terrible wounds are beautiful to me, because my wounds and problems do not stop Your tender regard. There is healing and hope in
Your suffering and so there is in mine too.

Amen.