LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Tuesday, 22nd July 2025
GOD IS WITH YOU
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. *Isaiah 43:1-2*
This prophetic oracle was given to Israel to assure them of God’s protection. This was a national crisis when the nation was on the verge of being conquered. The people had turned away from the Lord, yet God still extended His mercy to them. He sent the prophet Isaiah to bring them words of encouragement and assurance.
In the passage, the Lord reveals Himself in many ways to Israel and to us.
1. The Lord is our Creator. We exist because of Him. He formed us for His purposes. Though, many times we turn our backs on Him, the Lord does not abandon us.
2. *The Lord is our Redeemer. He is the source of our salvation. He redeemed Israel from Egypt and redeemed us from the power of sin. Our redemption is what gives us the right to be called His children.
3. The Lord knows us by name. He knows us by name, because we belong to Him. It is a phrase that shows the intimate relationship God has with us. He does not see us simply as part of His creation but as individuals He cares about.
4. The Lord is with us. His presence never leaves us. Because of God’s steadfast love, nothing we do in this life can make Him totally turn His back on us. When we fall out of fellowship because of sin, we can turn back to God in repentance, and He will receive us.
5. The Lord protects us. He keeps us safe through all forms of adversity – in the raging rivers that seek to overwhelm us and the blazing fires that threaten to destroy us. God’s promise is that He is with us to deliver us.
As God was to the children of Israel, so is He to His children today who have joined His family through faith in Christ. These statements are faithful and timeless. You can affirm them in your life. The Lord will be there to show himself strong on your behalf.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I belong to you. Surround me with Your presence and keep me from all danger and harm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
