Names of God
Have you ever thought about what your name means? In the Bible, names weren’t just labels or identification, they revealed something deeper: character, calling, and even God’s promises. For example, the name David means “beloved” and David was certainly beloved to God.
It’s like how when Jesus was born, he was called “Immanuel” because it means “God with us” which is exactly who He is. Well, God has a wide variety of names in the Bible, and they all point to His character. I believe God has revealed so many names for Himself because it gives us a better picture of who He is. When we feel worried or discouraged, we can remember his names to remember who He is and turn our worry into trust.
I won’t be able to list every name of God in this post, but I would like to share a few of His names and their meanings so that you can choose one or two as an anchor this week, as a way to stand firm in the faith, even if discouragement arises. Here are a few names of God and what they can mean for us in different seasons of life:
When we feel worried or discouraged, we can remember his names to remember who He is and turn our worry into trust.
For the one worried about not having enough: Jehovah Jireh
The Lord Will Provide
Genesis 22:14
Abraham calls God Jehovah Jireh when he is on the mountain with his son Isaac. Abraham’s faith was tested, and then God provided a ram for him so no harm would come to his son. On the mountain of the Lord, He will provide. When our faith is tested, we can trust that God will provide all that we need.
For the one serving too many masters (trusting other gods): Adonai
Master
Daniel 9:19
Daniel is praying to the Lord. He is praying to God with the name Adonai because he knows God is the true Master of the universe. He is Sovereign, meaning He reigns over all. He not only created everything, but He is now in control of that creation. We often turn to other things, to things of this world, to try and control situations, but God is Master, and He is in control.
For the one who feels lost: Jehovah-Raah
The Lord My Shepherd
Psalm 23
A shepherd tends to the flock, cares for the sheep, comforts them, protects them, feeds them, guides them, and protects them. God is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. Sheep hear the voice of their shepherd and follow him because they trust him. When we feel lost or scared, we can listen to the voice of our Shepherd and He will guide us.
For the one who is anxious: Jehovah Shalom
The Lord is Peace
Judges 6:24
When Gideon was the judge over Israel, he had an encounter with the Angel of the Lord and it frightened him. Seeing a supernatural creature caused him to fear. God then spoke peace over him and he was no longer afraid. So, Gideon built him an altar there as an act of worship and called it “The Lord is Peace” because he was no longer terrified. The unknown tends to bring us fear, but we can have confidence that the Lord will bring us peace, because He is Peace.
For the one who feels weak or ready to give up: El Shaddai
Lord God Almighty, All-Sufficient One
Genesis 17:1
In this verse in Genesis, God is the one who calls Himself El Shaddai. He appeared to Abram after 13 years and said this to him. Abram was waiting on God’s promise to give him a child, and God was reminding him that He is sufficient, that He will pour out His power and blessings, and that He can do anything. When we are weary and discouraged, we can remember God’s power and trust that He is sufficient for us, that He is all we need.
There are more names that point to Him as: Creator, Provider, Protector, Comforter, All-knowing, Everlasting, All-powerful, Healer, God who sees, Most High, the Lord who sanctifies, Wonderful Counselor, Redeemer, Refuge, Rock, my salvation, my joy, Helper, and God who is near.
It still isn’t an exhaustive list! What an incredible God we serve who is all of these things! As you go through your week, remember these truths about your Father. Remember that His character, which includes all of these, shows His love for you and can give you confidence in His presence and power.
Which of God’s names, which of His character traits, do you need to claim this week? Maybe write it on a Post-It note and leave it somewhere in your house where you can remember to pray about it whenever you see it. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe” Proverbs 18:10.
He does not look at you as anything less than His child, His heir, His image.
A final encouragement: sometimes, when we see all of the wonderful things about God, we realize just how much we don’t deserve Him, but that just points back to how incredibly loving He is. He does not look at you as anything less than His child, His heir, His image. While we aren’t perfect, we still get to receive His grace. He knows where we are at, He knows we are all Holy in Progress, and He loves us.
With love,
Erica