Out of sight, out of mind. The statement sounds crass. I do not intend it to be hurtful. Still, the fact remains: in human relationships and routines, 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.

When You Wonder if You Matter

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 takes place 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.

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.”

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).

Never Out of Mind

Because we are never out of His sight, we are never out of His mind. We are familiar with the incredible prayer of Psalm 139, teaching us that our creator is with us regardless of our location or state of mind. He sees us in every place. He knows us perfectly and intimately. Therefore, it says, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:17-18). If you have visited the vast expanse of an ocean shore lately, walking on the seemingly endless sand, you get a sense of the unfathomable care and attention of our heavenly father described in this psalm.

Psalm 40:5 encourages us again, “Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” While spoken to Israel, these words from Isaiah 49:15-16 remind us of the unchanging heart and attention of God to our lives: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” God acknowledges that even a mother/child relationship, tender and intimate as it is, can be forgotten. Yet, our Father does not forget us. We are always “in sight and on His mind.”

Isaiah 49:15-16 reminds us of the unchanging heart and attention of God to our lives: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”

Our Response

Knowing His constant attention and care, how should we respond?

Cherish His Presence – The Lord has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Psalm 16:11 declares, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” People may forget us. Loneliness may overwhelm our hearts. But the surpassing reality of His presence with us, His care for our steps, His nurturing of our hearts, and His eternal love compels us to choose to prize His fellowship and walk intimately with Him above all else. He always sees, remembers, and stays in and with us. This is our reassurance and joy.

People may forget us. Loneliness may overwhelm our hearts. But the surpassing reality of His presence with us, His care for our steps, His nurturing of our hearts, and His eternal love compels us to choose to prize His fellowship and walk intimately with Him above all else.

Invite His Evaluation – The concluding sentiment of Psalm 139 expresses the desire to grow in purity, live in assurance, and walk in spiritual authenticity: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). How can we not open our hearts fully to our faithful Savior and enduring friend? The security and trustworthiness of our Lord’s consideration, correction, and companionship is the great treasure of life. People may come and go, but He remains – ever faithful. Friends and family may prove fickle, but He keeps us as the “apple of His eye.”

The security and trustworthiness of our Lord’s consideration, correction, and companionship is the great treasure of life. People may come and go, but He remains – ever faithful. Friends and family may prove fickle, but He keeps us as the “apple of His eye.”

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