By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
Do not be afraid, I am with you;
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home,
I love you, and you are mine.
(refrain from You Are Mine, The Faith We Sing, p.2218)
Each time I sing this hymn, the words “I am with you; I have called you each by name.” I feel humbled. Sometimes I feel chills. I think, God is my personal God. Wow! I also think, “Who me, God? You know my name? You are choosing me?” I feel overwhelmed. When I let the words sink in, I feel comforted. I am reminded to let go of fear and be hopeful because God says,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
The hymn is a message of hope. As Pastor Andy said in his Sunday sermon, God calls us to root ourselves in hope. We are God’s children. He’s with us.
Most Holy God,
We stand in awe that you choose us as your children. Remind us daily that you are our source of hope, regardless of the turmoil around us. Teach us to seek your guidance. Encourage us to listen for your blessed assurances. May we follow Jesus’ teachings and feel the Holy Spirit working in us. Amen.