God's Commitment to His People

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by they name; thou art mine." Isaiah. 43:1

When we think of who God is and all He's done, the common response is, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His many benefits?" We want to become totally committed to Him simply because He is deserving. What is even greater is that God is committed to us. As we sing "I am thine ...," maybe He says "... and I am thine."

God is transcendent and immanent. He is both above and with man simultaneously. He is committed to His creation, and His works can be seen throughout. If we look around, we can see the works of God within each of us. His commitment follows us from breath to life to provision to protection to His presence.

Often times, we may need to be reminded of this truth. Throughout the many captivities and displacements the Israelites faced, God reminded them of His commitment to them. Isaiah 43: 1-7 is God's reminder to Israel that He is present and will deliver. Today, while circumstances may serve each of us may with our own captivities and displacements, God wants to remind us of His commitment to us.

One of the ways He does this is by calling us by name. By doing this with Israel, God affirms that He knew who they were currently and who they would become. Calling Israel by name meant God knew the people intimately; He knew their past, present, and future.

God knows each of us by name as well. He's familiar with our ways and our potential. We can rest assured that God cares about us and will provide and protect us. If we know this, we can follow the instructions in Isaiah 43:4 to 'fear not.' Since God knows each of us intimately, He knows what we're facing and has already made provision and protection. "I know you; I know what you are going through; I know what I will do in response to my child." As in the verse, waters and fires are metaphors for sorrow and danger. God doesn't say there won't be sorrow or danger. He never mentions a life without disappointment and tragedy. Rather, He assures His people of His presence while experiencing sorrows and danger.

He later reveals Israel's worth by stating that other nations have been given for Israel. Today, God would reveal to us our worth through the giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son ..." (John 3:16). This should give us confidence that God has invested in our salvation. If He would save our lives before we even knew Him (Romans 5:8), how much more will He save the lives of those who know him and are known by Him?

How much more does He want to take care of you? Today, remember God knows your name and is familiar with you and your situation. He has promised to be present in hard times to comfort and help you. You are valuable to Him, and He is willing and wanting to take care of you. Let Him do so, by trusting in His word and allowing Him to journey with you through these difficult times.

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