Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 14, 2022
Read Isaiah 43:1-7
1 But now, says the LORD the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and the flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the LORD your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. I give people in your place and nations in exchange for your life. 5 Don’t fear, I am with you. From the east I’ll bring your children; from the west, I’ll gather you. 6 I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!” and to the south, “Don’t detain them.” Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name and whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed and made.
Good morning! God says, Don’t fear, I am with you!
God is with all who call Jesus, Lord, and Savior! Hallelujah! Amen!
I am moved and my heart warmed each time I read passages where God connects to each of us as individuals. In vs. 1, I have called you by name. Not just, “Hey, you!” but by our name. I’m unsure of the specific brain function that reacts to being recognized by our names, but it is a special feeling that floods over us when someone calls us by our name.
When Mary Magdalene was weeping at the tomb, Jesus called her by name, Mary. Mary, who had been called by Jesus so many times, immediately knew that this being who she couldn’t recognize was Jesus. She had no doubts!
Have you ever been in a crowd of people and heard a child cry out because they were lost? Many of us will turn our heads instinctively at a call for “mommy” or “daddy”, but the parent to whom the child belongs immediately recognizes that voice and runs to find the one who is lost. God knows us and recognizes each of us uniquely. Just like an expectant, worried parent, God is waiting for our call.
I once was lost, but now I am found . . . When we are lost, when we are in despair, when we are too weary to take even one more step, all we have to do is call to Jesus who is always with us and he will give us peace. God, our loving parent, knows each of us by name and promises to be with us always. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen you and help you, and cause you to stand. I will uphold you with my righteous, omnipotent hand.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Give us the strength to believe in all that You promise us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will help me in every situation.
God loves us! Pastor Liz
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