God's Glory Church

“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called your name, you are Mine!” — Isaiah 43:1

The first Sunday after I started working with the youth at church and got to know some of them, I spoke to a shy little girl who was sitting next to her mother. I smiled, addressed her by name and asked how she was doing. The girl raised her head and looked at me with wide open brown eyes. “You remember my name!” she said in a low voice. By simply saying the name of a little girl who must have felt insignificant among the multitude of adults in the church, I gained her trust. She felt attention and care.

In the Book of Isaiah, God tells the Israelites something similar: they are known and valued. Even in captivity and in the desert, God saw them and called them by name. (Is. 43:1). They were not travelers, they belonged to Him. Although it seemed to them that no one needed them, in the eyes of God they were precious (v. 4). Along with reminding them that He knows them by name, God spoke of all that He would do for them, especially in difficult times. When they go through trials, He will be there (v. 2). They should not be afraid or worried. After all, the Lord of heaven and earth knew their names.

God knows the name of each of His children. And that’s great news, especially if we’re going through the rough waters of life.

What challenges have you faced lately? How does the fact that God knows you by name help you to overcome difficulties with confidence?

God, thank you for knowing me by name.

Author: Katara Patton