the message.

I've been looking up Scripture for my cousin Alison, alternating between using the NIV, which I know, and the Message. Isaiah 43:1 has always been a favorite passage of mine, but I absolutely love the way its translated in the Message:

But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
     the One who got you started, Israel:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
     I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
     When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
     it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
     The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
     all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
     That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
     trade the creation just for you."

Isaiah 43:1-4, The Message