Psalm 143 (a)

Scripture has far more to say than my meager mind:

But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,

(Why address "Jacob" and Israel"? God is addressing the same people by referring to Jacob and Israel. The name "Jacob" means "supplanter". Jacob was the twin son who tricked his father to steal his brother's rightful birthright. The name "Israel" means "God strives". Israel is the new name given Jacob as he became the father of the twelve sons/tribes.

What God is saying is that the following message is for all of His children. Whether walking in the middle of His will or whether conniving and struggling for all of the wrong things, the message is the same.)


"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!


(Pause here for a moment; let those words soak into you spirit)


"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.

"For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.

"Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.

(Pause here and thank our God for Jesus)

"Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
And gather you from the west.

"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,

Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."

(Declare His glory to everyone)