Isaiah 43:1,4 "But 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...Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you."

This is one of the most intimate passages of scripture from God to us. I think it shows His heart towards you and I. He seems to feel the way a Father feels towards his children. It reminds me of the way I talk to my kids (especially when they've been good!!). We are His beloved children.

This verse says He calls us by name. This is beautifully personal. When I want the attention of one of my children, I call their name. God wants us. He is constantly calling out to us by name. It is an individual as well as a corporate calling. The key is to make sure we're listening. Are our spiritual ears attentively prepared to listen when God talks to us? When we spend time in His word, are we reading or listening?

In addition, God tells us that we are precious in His sight. Think about this - right now God is in Heaven thinking great thoughts about you and considering how valuable you are to him. So, if others around you mistreat you, take heart, the one that matters most, loves you most. The one who knows you best, thinks the highest of you. The one who sees every sin in your life, gave up His only son for you. You are worth it!

Lord, at times I don't fully grasp your love for me. It seems unreal. How can you love a sinner like myself. I know you call me a saint, but I don't always feel or act like one. Please help me to see myself through your eyes. Help me also see others through your eyes. I thank you that you consider me precious. I'm valuable in your eyes. May my perception of myself be based more and more on your perception of me.