Father God,

   Today, I pray for the promises of Isaiah 43 to preserve Your people even in the midst of the chastisement You bring upon us for our disobedience.  We are dependent on Your mercy for everything, yet we go about our days little different from the rest of the world. 

   We go through our days worried about things not of eternal significance.  We go through our days patting ourselves on our back for accomplishments when it was Your hand that provided. 

   We puff out our chests and we wring our hands simultaneously.

   Impress upon us the reality that the Holy One of Israel has chosen us as Your possession, precious in Your sight, honored, and loved by the Lord of all creation.  Remind us that we should fear not because You are with us. 

   In Christ’s Name,

  Amen