Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Names are important. They help establish and develop relationships. At the beginning of a semester, I strive to put names and faces together quickly, so I don’t have to say, “I’m sorry, What was your name?” Taking the time to learn names shows that you value a person, care about them enough to learn the most basic thing about them—their name.
Isaiah 49:16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands….
And I find it fascinating that knowing someone, even if you don’t know them well, becomes important if you don’t know anyone else. If I am in a room full of strangers and see even one semi-familiar face, I will automatically gravitate toward that person. I know them. They know me. Even if it’s not well, that glimmer of recognition is a tiny beacon of light from which to start.
Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people….
Lord, Thank You for this day and for understanding the importance of knowing us by name. Thank You for caring enough to know every hair on our heads and every breath we will take. Thank You for calling us and claiming us even as we struggle and fumble through this life. Draw us closer to You. Amen.
Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Have a blessed day.