Daily devotional: First name basis

One of the signs that a social relationship is progressing into a higher level is when two people start to call each other on a first-name basis. From Miss or Ma’am, to Miss and the last name, and then eventually just the first name. For example, in a coffee shop, one can assume that a customer is a regular when he or she already knows the name of the barista and vice versa. One can also surmise that in the office, in church, or in any organization, people who call each other by name are much closer or more comfortable with each other, compared to relationships that use a formal way to address the other. 

Regardless of our level of relationship with Him, our Heavenly Father calls each of us by name. He knows us, even if we do not know Him. 

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

And as we digest this truth, that God knows us deeply, and calls us His own, we must forego whatever identity the world tells us we have. This means that:

• Our past does not define us
• Our mistakes is not what we are
• An unfortunate life event is not forever tied to our identity
  

Instead, our identity is in Christ Jesus. When we decided to surrender our life to Him, and called Him our personal Lord and Savior, we were adopted into God’s family. That is now who we are and we are no longer the old person we used to be. 

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” John 1:12

When we decided to follow Jesus and stepped away from our sins, we have been given a new identity in Him. And whenever the people around us tell us we can never move forward, be better, and live a new life, we must remind ourselves that in Christ we have been forgiven, redeemed, restored, and renewed. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

And with this new identity, we no longer allow ourselves to be defined by the worldly things we used to hang on to. We are no longer defined by the likes we get and what we once projected over social media. Our identity is no longer tied to power, prestige, and possessions. Our identity is also not defined in the relationships we fight tooth and nail to keep. 

Instead, we are secured of our status as a Child of God, and daughter of the King of Kings. No longer will we let the enemy reduce us by constantly reminding us of our failures. 

No longer will we let the world label us using our past miseries. The tears we have wiped off will be our testimony of the faithfulness of the God who knows every detail of our life yet loves us fiercely, the God who has the best plans for our future, and of course, the God who calls us by name. 

“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30

And so, let us take our relationship with the Lord to a whole new level. Let us continue spending more time with Him praying and pondering His words. And while we are at it, we will discover all the names He goes by. Here are some: 

• El Elyon – The Most High God
• Adonai El Roi – The God who sees
• Jehovah Rapha – The Lord that Heals
• Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide
• Yahweh Rohi – The Lord is my shepherd
• Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace
  

And when we discover the truth behind these names, and experience it for ourselves, then we too will all the more be joyful that we have a great personal relationship with our Lord. 

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.” Psalm 91:14

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Isaiah 43:1-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question:  Do you see yourself as God sees you or how the world sees you?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a new identity by adopting me into your family. Give me the grace to shun thoughts that I can never live up to your plans for me just because of the mistakes in my past. Thank you for loving me and calling me yours. Amen.