Isaiah 43:1-7 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 43:1-7 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 43But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Verse 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Verse 3For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Verse 4Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Verse 5Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; Verse 6I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth- Verse 7everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Devotion
Happy New Year!
I’ve always found it a little amusing how big a deal we make of the turning of the calendar page. Resolutions, revelry, remorse over dreams not yet met. We set such high expectations: A clean slate. A fresh start. Old habits will be put aside; new, better ones will take their place. Yet, are there any changes to come with a new year that we can’t try to make with each new day?
Whatever this year may bring for you, remember this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. Whatever troubles you pass through, whatever trials you face, whatever joys you encounter: in all things you are accompanied by the Lord. He has called you by name. You belong to him. He loves you. Praise be to God for being so very, very good to us.
Prayer
On this day, and on every day, Lord, walk with me. Thank you for caring so deeply for me. I want to know your love more fully. Teach me to love you as best I can. Amen.