To Whom You Belong

A Reflection for Thursday, April 3 by Seanna Wong

Lectionary reading for 03/03/2025: Psalm 126; Isaiah 43: 1-7;Philippians 2:19-24

Selected passage for reflection: Isaiah 43:1-7

Read

Isaiah 43:1-7 NIV

Israel’s Only Savior

1 But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob,  he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7 Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Reflect

Throughout time, humans have sought to understand who we are. 

What defines us? Is it our work? Our hobbies? The relationships we have? 

We often try to find meaning in what we do, where we live, or who we’re connected to. But what happens when those things no longer feel like they define us? What if they aren’t enough to fully capture who we are?

Isaiah 43:1-7 offers a different perspective. Instead of looking outward for our identity, God gives us a clear reminder of who we truly are: His creation—beloved, honored, and precious.

The passage begins with a declaration: “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” These words speak directly to us. Not that we are merely numbers among God’s flock, but that we are claimed and known by a Father. 

God is not an absentee parent– there for creation but knows nothing about you. He knows every facet of us and more than we know about ourselves. This reality runs deeper than any job title, hobby, or relationship. Our identity isn’t tied to ephemeral places and things or what the world tries to impose on us. Our identity is rooted in the love and purpose God has for us.

God understands how easily the world can try to shape our identity. The distractions of life, the pressures to conform, and the constant need to prove ourselves can pull us away from the truth of who we are. But in the face of those challenges, we are commanded not to fear, for God offers us a promise: When the floodwaters rise, we will not be swept away. When the fire burns, we will not be consumed. These promises remind us that, no matter what comes, God’s love and presence are steadfast, and we are safe in His hands where nothing can or will ever tear us away from Him. 

Within the passage, God also reminds us of the immense value He places on us. He says, “I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba [areas part of modern day Ethiopia and Sudan] in your stead.” These were powerful and wealthy nations whose wealth and influence are nothing compared to His people. We are more precious in God’s eyes than what the world assigns worth to, and He has gone to great lengths for our redemption—a price ultimately paid through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His love for us is worth more than anything in the world.

As the passage continues, we see God calling His scattered people back to Himself. He’s not just claiming us; He’s also bringing us home. In His love, we aren’t meant to wander aimlessly. We are called to find our identity, our purpose, and ultimately our rest in Him.

Isaiah 43 reminds us that this world will never know who we are—we can’t even define who we are on our own. Yet, there is a God—living and eternal—who takes the time to call to us, sit with us, and like the Samaritan woman at the well, tell us all about ourselves so we may believe in His steadfast love.

We are not defined by our work, relationships, or accomplishments. We are defined by the only God who saves. We are His beloved children, redeemed and treasured. We belong to the One who created us, and in that truth, we find our deepest fulfillment.

Respond 

Do you ever question your true identity? In the chaos of life, it’s easy to forget who we really are. Isaiah 43:1-7 reminds us: We belong to God. He has called us by name, and we are His.

God, the Creator of the universe, treasures you deeply. In a world that tries to define us by what we do or have, God’s love for us remains unchanging. He values you more than anything, even willing to give up nations for your redemption.

Take a moment to ask the Lord: Who am I in Your eyes?Ask Him to reveal how deeply He loves you and how precious you are in His sight. His love for you is constant, and in Him, your identity is secure.

You are defined not by your circumstances but by God’s unshakeable love. You are His beloved child, redeemed and cherished, and nothing can change that.

Rest 

Lord,

Thank You for Your constant safeguard over my life. Thank You for forming me, naming me, and knowing me more deeply than I know myself.

Because of Your perfect knowledge and omniscience over every facet of my life and Your creation, I ask for Your guidance and strength to grow in trust during life’s storms. Remind me, Lord, of just how capable and powerful You are.

You alone know the true weight of the fires that have come to destroy and the waters that have flooded my dreams, my hopes, and the plans I’ve made. You alone understand how hard it’s been. In those moments of pain and loss, I lean on Your understanding, knowing that You see what I cannot.

When my hope wavers, Lord, please strengthen my faith. When fear overwhelms me, remind my heart of Your victories and Your faithfulness. Let my life be a testimony to Your goodness, and may I never forget the ways You have shown Your love and care for me in the past.

Just as You remembered Your people and heard their cries in Scripture, hear my cry today, O God. Remember me in my weakness. Save me, redeem me, and bring me to a place of rest in Your presence.

I trust that in Your perfect timing, You will turn my trials into testimonies of Your grace. I place my life, my dreams, and my heart in Your hands, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. Allow me to rest in you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About the Author 

Seanna Wong, M.B.A, is a Miami, Florida native who writes on faith, womanhood, and identity in a clamoring world. When she’s not working, writing – or avoiding either of the two– Seanna is either reading, watching mysteries, or working on her cooking vlog. You can read more of Seanna’s work here: https://medium.com/@seannawrites.