Morning Devotional 041025 Called By Name

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 10, 2025

Isaiah 43:1-3

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 flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the LORD your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior.

Good Morning. The Lord provides for us!

Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 

I find the need to belong to be a powerful feeling. I remember going to college. For the first few days, I felt alone. I needed to find myself in this new setting. Fortunately, I arrived in advance of freshman move-in day because I was part of the marching band, and we had rehearsals to begin. 

Once I arrived at my first rehearsal, I began to feel the comfort of belonging as I met others who shared my interests and experiences. I had found my people, and I regained my confidence. 

This idea of being called by name is critical to belonging. Nothing lowers the anxiety of not belonging than to be called by name. It validates our worthiness. It also confirms that you are in the right place. When our name is called, we recognize the voice of those to whom we belong. 

Remember Mary when she was searching for Jesus at the tomb on that first Easter morning? She felt lost and alone. She came to care for Jesus’ body, but it was not there. Through her tears and anxiety, she questions the “gardener” as to where Jesus had been taken. Even though Jesus’ appearance was unrecognizable, when she heard him say her name, Mary, she knew that she was with Jesus. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Open our ears so that we may hear your call. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God calls us by name and invites us to come. 

Listen to the one who calls you by name! Pastor Liz