Are you longing to hear God’s voice? What would it be like to hear God call you by name and offer comfort and assurance? For many it seems that God spoke to people long ago and far away, but now in this time and place God’s voice is much less clear and less audible. Perhaps we cannot hear the voice of God because our world is full of noise. Perhaps competing voices telling us that we are not enough or our own fears of being unlovable drown it out. But listen! Thus says the Lord, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine… I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:1-2). Though the flood waters may rise or wildfires may roar, though back-to-school seems daunting or a new journey ahead seems overwhelming, God promises to be with us so our faith can be greater than our fear. As we join in a special Backpack Blessing, we can face our fear of the new year with faith because we hear once again God’s promise to be with us always!
