The Lord Never Forgets

There was a comforting thought waiting for me in 2 Nephi 10 this morning.

Jacob teaches that the Lord remembers His covenant people, even when they are scattered. As I read verse 2, I thought about my own parents. They must have been thrilled when I finally turned around and realized how blessed I had been all along. Whether in this life or the next, I believe our posterity eventually finds their way back to truth and light. That thought brings me enormous peace.

Verse 22 caught my attention too. Jacob speaks of people from the house of Israel being led to the isles of the sea. In February 2025,we toured New Zealand and spent time among the Maori people. I loved hearing their language, watching their traditions, and seeing how deeply they honor their heritage. Reading this verse brought those sweet memories rushing back.

I also love the reminder in verse 23 that we are “free to act for ourselves” — free to choose everlasting death or eternal life. Agency is both a gift and a responsibility.

Then I moved into 2 Chronicles 6 and immediately thought, This sounds like a temple dedicatory prayer. I checked the section heading and smiled when I realized I was right. I love moments like that.

As I read Solomon’s prayer, the similarities to our temples today stood out to me:

• The temple was built with exquisite care and detail.
• The name of the Lord was upon it.
• The description of the font reminded me of our baptismal fonts.
• Solomon spread forth his hands in prayer, something we still see in sacred temple worship today.

I once sat in the Celestial Room during a temple dedication. I wish I could remember more of the details, but I do remember the feeling that every door, wall, fixture, and corner had been dedicated to the work of the Lord.

One part of Solomon’s prayer especially stayed with me. He prayed that when the people sinned and were brought low, they would remember the Lord and turn back to Him. I found myself wondering if that is part of what we are experiencing today. The drought around us certainly has a way of humbling people. Those with eyes to see recognize how dependent we are upon heaven. The recent moisture we’ve received feels merciful, and I pray it continues through the growing and harvest seasons.

But the verses that touched me most were verses 36–39. Solomon pleads that when people finally remember God and return to Him, the Lord will have compassion on them.

That feels personal to me.

I have been told that my parents’ faithfulness in keeping their covenants is part of the reason my own prayers were eventually heard and why I was rescued. I believe that with all my heart.

Maybe that is one of the great blessings of covenant living: faithful people keep reaching for heaven on behalf of those they love, and God never forgets either of them.