Does God Remember When We Forget?

Several years ago, while visiting my wife’s family for the holidays, I sat next to an older lady (can’t remember her name anymore) at dinner. She was the mother of my wife’s uncle John. All I can remember about her was that she was 92 years old. Even with my feable attempts, she didn’t say one word to anyone the whole night; until dessert came. I still remember what she whispered to me, nearly twenty years ago, as we ate dessert, “I think God has forgotten me.”

Six words! The only six words she shared with me, and they are the same six words I hear quite a lot in my vocation. Many people, who suffer no memory loss, feel at times that God has forgotten them. It could only be worse for those who have memory loss. When memory fades, names slip away, moments become unclear, and even our faith feels distant, we can forget God. So, does God forget us? NO! (I wanted to say it a different way, more emphatically, but didn’t want to type any ‘bad’ word.) Nevertheless, it’s a resounding no. God’s faithfulness and memory is not dependent on our ability to remember Him. This post explores the assurance we have in God’s perfect memory, His unwavering faithfulness, and the hope that even when we forget, we are never forgotten.

Let’s begin with God’s memory is perfect, unbound by the limitations of human forgetfulness. Since our bodies are subject to time and aging, we struggle to retain details and may even forget important moments. However, God’s knowledge is eternal and unchanging. Hence, God is omniscient, or all knowing. And, because of this, God’s memory does not fade with time. With that said, God’s knowledge of us is quite personal. Scripture repeatedly affirms that God takes a vested interest in us, and promises never to forget us.

“Can a woman forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child of her womb? Yet though she forget, I will never forget you. See, I have written your name upon the palm of my hands.” — Isaiah 49:15-16

This truth brings great comfort, especially in times of doubt or weakness. Our faith is not dependent on our ability to remember, but on God’s steadfast promise to never forget. Even when our minds fail, His love remains constant, ensuring that we are always known, cherished, and remembered.

Secondly, God’s faithfulness is far greater than our human limitations.

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” — 2 Timothy 2:13

The history of Israel in the Old Testament is a powerful testament to this truth—despite their repeated forgetfulness to live a particular way, God continued to pursue them with love and mercy. His covenant was never dependent on their perfection but on His unwavering commitment. Likewise, this same commitment pursues us in our own life.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

No matter our struggles, doubts, or limitations, God’s faithfulness endures, offering us the assurance that we are never beyond His covenant love and care.

And, speaking of God’s care, Jesus’ compassion for the weak and vulnerable reveals the heart of God’s love for all people. Throughout His ministry, He sought out those whom society overlooked or ignored—the sick, the poor, the outcasts—reminding us that no one is ever forgotten in God’s eyes.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Our worth is not measured by our abilities, strength, or status, but by Christ’s unchanging love. Jesus’ compassion upon those forgotten, his healing and restoration were glimpses of a much greater renewal to come. One of my favorite passages in the New Testament is a declaration of this amazing promise. A promise that doesn’t allow our vulnerabilities to have the last word.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the world that was, has passed away. And, the One seated on the throne will say, ‘See, I make all things new.’” — Revelation 21:4-5

In Christ, we find not only comfort but the assurance that one day, all brokenness will be made whole.

Now, to those caring for loved ones with memory loss, take heart in this truth: even when memories fade, God’s love remains steadfast. While it can be painful to see someone you love struggle to remember, God will never forget them. Your care, patience, and love reflect God’s faithfulness, reminding your loved one—even when they cannot recall it—that they are deeply known and cherished. And for you, in the moments of exhaustion or sorrow, know that God sees you, strengthens you, and will never forget the love you pour out.

My Final Thought

No matter how much we forget, God never forgets us. He remembers our name, our story, and our faith, even when we cannot recall it ourselves. His love is everlasting, His faithfulness unwavering, and His grace fully sufficient. God holds us securely in His hands, and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

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What Happens Next? Faith When You Can’t Remember is a blog series exploring the profound intersection of faith and memory loss, offering hope and reassurance for those experiencing cognitive decline and their loved ones. Each post delves into the unshakable truth that faith is not merely a product of our minds but is deeply rooted in God’s love and grace. Through biblical reflection, personal stories, and practical encouragement, this series reminds us that even when memories fade, God’s promises remain steadfast, and our faith is held securely in His hands.