05/01/2026
Held by Grace
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)
There are many voices in the world that try to define who you are—your successes, your failures, your past, your fears. Yet by nature, we do not fear, love, or trust in God above all things. We wander from Him, listen to other voices, and try to build our identity apart from His Word. Because of this, we deserve not comfort, but judgment. Left to ourselves, we are lost in sin and cannot rescue ourselves.
But the Lord speaks a better word.
“I have redeemed you.” These words point us directly to Christ. We were captive to sin and death, but Jesus took our place. By His death and resurrection, He purchased and won us—not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.
“I have called you by name.” This is deeply personal. In Baptism, God placed His name on you—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—declaring that you belong to Him. You are not forgotten or abandoned, but claimed by God Himself.
“You are mine.” What comfort this brings. In a world of uncertainty, this truth stands firm: you are the Lord’s. Nothing can separate you from His love in Christ Jesus—not your sin, not your doubts, not even death itself.
So when fear rises and your conscience accuses you, return to this promise. You are redeemed. You are called. You belong to Him—not because of who you are, but because of what Christ has done for you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father,
I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, and have not trusted You as I should. Yet I thank You for redeeming me through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for calling me by name in Baptism. When my conscience troubles me, remind me that I belong to You. Strengthen my faith through Your Word and keep me steadfast in Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev. Blas
