God has had to break down some barriers between us. One of those barriers was my perception of Him as a stern and demanding authority whom I had to please with my thoughts and actions … or else!  

I began to understand His love for me when words like this began to break through: 

I have called you by name; you are mine.

He goes on to say that I am precious to Him, honored and loved. He created and formed me for His glory. And because I wandered and got myself in deep trouble, He paid a ransom to get me back. He says,

You have been chosen to know me,
     believe in me,
and understand that I alone am God.

Wow. How those words from the Almighty have changed my relationship with Him!

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Scripture: from Isaiah 43 (NLT)