This summer our church spent some time looking at the Enneagram. It is kind of like a personality test, but more in depth. It is a tool used to help us look at ourselves honestly, among other things. What I learned about myself (the good, bad and the ugly) has made me think about my motivations – the why I do what I do, or don’t do. I am a 2W1 (type 2, wing 1). My core longing is to feel that I am wanted, loved, needed, chosen, etc.

I love how Isaiah 43 speaks to my core longing**. Verses 1, 4a, 10a: “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….you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…..“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen,…”. These verses tell me that I don’t need to fear, I am redeemed, God calls me by name (I am known), I am His, I am precious, honored, loved and chosen. Wow! That’s a lot right there!

Verse 3 says, “For I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.” And verse 15 says, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” These verses speak to a relationship; to how we view God in our lives. They are personal, which is what God wants them to be. He wants to be our Savior and our King. In verses 3-7 God tells us we matter and we are worth much to Him. He says he will gather the Israelites from the end of the earth – everyone who is called by His name, whom He created for His glory, whom He formed and made. That includes us. That includes you, wherever you are in your faith journey; you are called by His name. Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God chose you before you existed; God chooses you while you’re still a sinner. He wants you to choose to be in a relationship with Him – He calls you by name, You are precious, honored, loved and chosen by Him. YOU were created for His glory.

Whatever personality type you are, it is good to be known and loved by your Creator!

** In this passage, God shifts from calling the Israelites out on their failure to listen to Him in chapter 42 to telling them how much He loves them in chapter 43. These verses were not directed at us today, however, they reveal God’s character and relationship to His followers. In that regard, they can be applied to us as children of God.