By name

But now, this is what the LORD says – 

he who created you, O Jacob,  

he who formed you, O Israel: 

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”                     Isa. 43.1

What God says of His ancient people applies also to me. He created me, He formed me. I am the creation and child of Almighty God.

He tells me not to fear. There is nothing that I should be afraid of. He is above all things, and I am His creation, His treasured possession, His dearly loved son.

He has redeemed me. He has bought me back from sin, rescued me from the wiles and the grip of Satan. 

He has also, like He did with Israel, “summoned me by name”. He has called me, personally and individually, to fulfil the purpose that He has ordained for me.

His purpose does not need to be fully detailed before me in order for me to comply. His Word informs me clearly that He rates obedience higher than sacrifice (1 Sam. 15.22). I come in obedience. I do not need to see the outworking of His plan in advance. It is sufficient for me to know that I am giving myself to Him for whatever pleases Him.

Lord God,

I come to You, in humility and obedience. In love I present myself before You. My greatest desire is to abide in You. I sit at Your feet in adoration, wonder and worship.

Have Your way in me, with me, and through me. I am Yours. I delight in every aspect of Your Holy Being. Take me through this day. I am as soft as clay in Your hand, willing to be moulded to the shape You would have me be.

You are wonderful, holy God.            Amen.