Friday, January 21, 2022
Greetings, Dear Friends ~
One of the things I used to enjoy was watching weekly episodes of Cheers! I loved watching each of the characters develop throughout the seasons that the show was on the air. Main characters, Sam, Carla, John, Frasier, Woody, Rebecca, Diane, and Lilith each added wonderful texture to the overall essence of the programs!
There was something about the unique personalities and humor of the characters the actors portrayed—from very dry humor to fantastically funny! I laughed out loud as the actors carried us with them on their latest adventure. The overwhelming essence of the weekly broadcasts conveyed a sense of family—sharing life and love, ups and downs, dreams and visions . . . and, primarily, in a bar (not my hangout of choice but it worked for them!). It was a kind of “there’s no place like home” feel represented by the characters that entered the bar. Those already in the bar would greet familiar people with a rousing, for example, “Hi, Norm!” The place represented their own sense of family, a place of knowing and safety. A place where everybody knows my name….
I recall returning one year from one of the annual women’s retreats I attended during summer months. Being away and having uninterrupted time to be with God on the mountaintop of Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, always gave me such joy. One year, I returned—worn out in a good way) by all that had taken place—and sat on my living room sofa to pause for just a moment. It was a tough time during my life, and I was wondering what my next steps would be. I fell asleep for a few minutes, and awakened to hear the sound of my voice softly uttering the name “Zechariah.” I thought it odd to be doing this especially since there was no reference to the prophet Zechariah’s name made during our retreat. As I contemplated why I mentioned that specific name, I felt a sense of reassurance from the Holy Spirit. I sensed that God did, indeed, remember me. And since God remembers me, I (knew) know He knows my name.
What a comforting thought when we think of the intermittent tumult of life’s challenges. God remembers and He knows my name! How incredibly awesome!!! My Friends, the Lord knows your name! He understands everything there is to know about you and loves you (treasures you) so very much. There are many references to the Lord knowing our names. One such Bible verse is found in Isaiah 43:1 –
“But now thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, He Who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine’ “ (ESV).
The Lord remembers you; the Lord knows your name! The Creator of the Universe cares for us in a way that no one else can or ever could. How often do we forget other people’s names?! Yet, God never forgets! So, for the one that is battling disease . . . the one that is feeling alone and forgotten . . . the one that often feels unloved or misunderstood . . . the one that feels weak and not good enough . . . the one that is struggling with financial hardships . . . the one that is sad and afraid . . . the one that is has everything that money can buy and it is still not good enough. Whoever and wherever you are, trust that the Lord knows your name. Carry this reassuring thought with you wherever you go—especially when you feel most alone.
May the God of all peace and comfort, the One Who knows your name be with you into eternity. And may you remember that this world is definitely a much better place because you are in it!
Until Next Time, My Dear Friends,
Selah