I haven't heard this hymn for a long time, and for some reason it came into my head tonight.

“Do not be afraid” written by Gerald Markland, based on Isaiah 43:1-4

Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

When you walk through the waters ,
I’ll be with you;
you will never sink beneath the waves.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

When the fire is burning all around you,
you will never be consumed by the flames.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

When the fear of loneliness is looming,
then remember I am at your side.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

When you dwell in the exile of a stranger,
remember you are precious in my eyes.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

You are mine,O my child,
I am your Father,
and I love you with a perfect love.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.

We all spend so much of our lives afraid.  Even now it is so hard to believe in a promise this huge, a love this all-encompassing.  We can't believe it might actually be this simple - a God who loves us, holds us, redeems us, calls us by name.  It just can't be that simple.

Can it?