He Knows My Name
By Brita Crouse
“But now, O Israel, the LORD who created
you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by
name; you are mine.’”
Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)
I will be the first to admit that my name is a difficult one to
figure out. I have been called every version and variation possible, but I’m
most commonly called “Brit-ah,” and then usually asked, “Like the water
filter?” (In case anyone is wondering, I DO hear that all the time!) My name is
actually pronounced “Bree-duh” and derives from my Norwegian ancestry. It has
no meaning, at least not in the English language, and is fairly uncommon. In
fact, I’ve never met someone with the same name as I!
A name is an important part of a person. It can be a
representation of heritage or culture, and is especially chosen for us by our
family. A name gives a sense of self and belonging. It’s probably one of the
first things you learned how to write and it’s one of the first things you tell
someone about yourself. When you call someone by name, you are reaffirming
their significance as a person. See how important a name is? It’s truly a part
of our identity.
It’s probably accurate to say that my name is mispronounced more
than it is pronounced correctly, but I take solace in this truth: God knows my
name and exactly how to pronounce it.
Even more than that, God knows every other identifying and
intimate aspect of my life. And, He knows just as much about you, too!
- He knows our actions and
thoughts (Psalm 139:2).
- He knows our past,
present, and future (Psalm 139:3).
- He knows our words
before we even speak (Psalm 139:4).
- He always knows where we
are and what we are doing (Psalm 139: 7-12).
- He knows how we were
made because He was the One who created us (Psalm 139: 13-15).
- He knew us before anyone
did and knows about every day we will live (Psalm 139:16).
Yes, God knows all these things about YOU! He knows your name
(and how to pronounce it), and calls you by that name. God desires an intimate
and personal relationship with each of His children and He shows this desire
when He calls us by name, when He calls us His own.
Take joy in the fact that you are known and called by name by
the One True God!
GOING DEEPER:
1.
How does knowing how much God loves and knows you change the way
you will live your life?
2.
This week, try addressing everyone by name. See what a
difference it will make.
FURTHER READING:
Brita is
currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin
Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.
