In God’s great hand, my name is written down …
Not lightly, but with bold deliberate strokes;
Engraved forever, there for me to see
One day, when I come home,
Still following the way.

I cannot fathom why the great “I Am”
Should plan for me to know His pen has traced The letters of my name (which He knew first)
Except the joy, the peace, the confidence
He has (in wondrous ways) to me dispensed.
 
For when the tragedies of life contain my name
I say, “He knows and I am not alone.
I trust, because I know He can’t forget.
This trial, for me, is good.
He loves me yet.”

And so, dear friend, my pen is in my hand.
Your name, I place upon my palm, today.
I promise, as I go about my tasks,
I’ll pray for you each time the Spirit asks.

Sometimes, in gentle gesture, I do close My fingers, there, around your precious name
And hold you close … and know that God
Is doing just the same.

© by Joan Clifton Costner

“I will never forget thee … see? Isaiah 49
“I have engraved your name in the Palms of My hand …” Hebrews 13
“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee….” Ph. 1:3