Verse of the Day.

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"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine." ~ Isaiah 43:10

Reflection

Amidst our troubles, challenges, afflictions, illnesses, weaknesses, and sorrows, the Lord is calling us to stay calm. He is telling us not to be afraid, for He is in control. He assures us that He has redeemed us. Do you even have any idea of what this particular line means? Well, it means everything is under control; it means He has conquered all our doubts, fears, troubles, challenges, sicknesses, our enemies; name them all.

Our God is mighty; we cannot compare Him to anyone, not even to the mightiest or strongest person in this world, for He is beyond that. He further emphasizes that He has called us by name: we are His. This takes us back to the book of the Prophet Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jeremiah 1:5). This means He gave us authority to trample over the evil one, to overcome all our fears, doubts, and everything that steals our peace of mind.

Can someone who knows us better than our own selves abandon us? God is not human, for men are full of betrayal; he loves you today and ignores you tomorrow. That is not how our God is. Our God is always with us, He assures us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; cf. Deuteronomy 31:6). Even if we walk through fire, He is with us. "When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you."(Isaiah 43:2), because we are precious in His eyes. He tells us that when we listen to His voice and follow His precepts, He will be our God and we shall be His people. "This rather is what I commanded them: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk exactly in the way I command you, so that you may prosper."(Jeremiah 7:23, cf. Leviticus 26:12).

Ponder on this: What is that big thing weighing you down, giving you sleepless nights? That thing that scares you a lot, that has stolen your peace of mind? Is it financial trouble, sickness, family issues, death, enemies? Well, I can’t name them all, for they vary from person to person. Amidst all this, listen attentively to God’s voice. Heed Him keenly as He tells you, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine." And “when you hear his voice today, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7–8; cf. Psalm 95:7–8). Let Him take control of your life today. Just give it all to Him. Be still, sit down, and let Him work.

Read this powerful and beautiful verse three times. Pause each time and reflect on those things that make you afraid. Listen to Him telling you not to be afraid, just like any loving father waiting to embrace you with open arms, like the prodigal son. "So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him."(Luke 15:20). However much we stray away, He still remains merciful and loving always.

Let us pray: Good Jesus, when fears and doubts engulf me, please remind me that You are already in control. Remind me that there is nothing You cannot do. Help me listen to Your voice; may I be able to distinguish between Your voice and the unnecessary noise of the evil one. Just as You said, when Your sheep hear Your voice, they recognize it and follow You. "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."(John 10:27). Open my mind and heart to listen to Your voice keenly in the silence of my heart, and may it draw and propel me always to You. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen.

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