Hephzibah...

"You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."
Isaiah 62:3 NKJV

Hephzibah, Hephzibah, what is in your name?  A name found in my favorite book of the bible, the Book of Isaiah, I am captivated by the beautiful, loving name that God gave to His people to remind them of His love for them in Chapter 62 of Isaiah.  Hephzibah, is a Hebrew word meaning "My delight is in her" and "one who is protected, safeguarded" in this case, by God, Himself!

God uses so many images of love and marriage to express His love for His people, and this is one of the most tender and touching to me.  Taking His people back to His bosom after a season of war and suffering, God turns to His people and takes them back in His arms, assuring them of His unending love for them. 

God doesn't stand at a distance, aloof from their suffering.  He cries out to them with expressions of His deep and compassionate love for them, reassuring them that He hasn't forgotten them.  How stunningly beautiful is His assurance of His love and care.

I don't know what you are going through today.  Maybe you're having a "once in a lifetime" day of celebration of something wonderful in your life.  Or maybe, you're struggling to hang on, wondering if anyone really cares for you, sees you, remembers you, loves you...  If that's you, turn off all the noise around you, close your eyes and listen to the voice of your Savior, calling out your name. 

Listen to Him speaking your name tenderly, lovingly, comforting you, encouraging you, knowing you, surrounding you with His love.  Have you felt abandoned, forsaken, neglected, rejected, abused, unseen, and uncared for?  Rest in the beauty and certain love of God and in His words spoken, not only over Israel, but over YOU tonight.  These are words of love from your God to you.  Do not miss them.  Cherish them.  Believe them.  Bath all over in them.  They are life...

You shall be called by a new name,

Which the mouth of the Lord will name.

You shall also be a crown of glory

In the hand of your God.

You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,

Nor shall your land any more be called Desolate;

But you shall be called Hephzibah,

And your land Beulah;

For the Lord delights in you...

And as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride,

So shall your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:3-5   NKJV