When I was pregnant with each one of my children, my husband Denny and I compiled lists of baby names. We pored over baby name books, looked up different spellings, researched meanings, and lamented over names that reminded us of past sweethearts or annoying people. Names are important. Our dog’s name is even Bear because he looks like a Bear. There is meaning attached to a name.
Perhaps that is why there are so many names for God. His names tell us about His character. They tell stories of how He worked in the lives of His people. Over and over in the Bible, when God performed a great act, He often revealed a new name for Himself. The more we pursue God, learn about Him, and experience Him in our lives, the more we understand the meanings of the many names for God.
Whenever I have struggled with a need, it has been an opportunity for me to discover a new aspect of God’s character. If I had never struggled financially, I would never have known God as my Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. If I had never been anxious, I would never have discovered Him as my Jehovah Shalom, my Peace. If I had never been sick or grieving, I would not know Him as my Jehovah Rapha, my Healer. I know God in a deeper way today because of the difficulties I have faced and the way He walked with me through each one of them, revealing His character.
Jesus asked a very important question in Matthew 16:15. “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” He was drawing out Peter’s realization that He was the Messiah, the one true God. As you consider your points of greatest need, dear friend, who do you say God is? Who has God been to you in your tears? How have you come to know Him through your troubles?
I challenge you to look at your problems from a different perspective—as an opportunity to discover a new quality of God and to know Him better. The more I know of Him, the more I desire to know Him more. I pray that you continue to compile a growing list of His precious names.
TO KNOW HIM
Exalted One, Eternal God, The Beginning and The End,
Immanuel, Redeemer, King, My Hiding Place, My Friend,
The Name above all other names—so many titles show
Deep riches found in only Him for those who seek to know.
He is My Helper and My Peace, My Very Great Reward,
But He’s a jealous God, The Holy One, The Only Risen Lord.
He’s the One who judges righteously and tests the heart and mind,
Yet He’s the Comforter and Shepherd, too, The Healer of the blind.
A Glorious Crown, My Mighty Rock, A God who does no wrong,
Creator, Maker, Ruler, Shield, My Advocate, My Song.
He is My Hope, The God of Grace, A Refuge for the poor,
My Source of Strength, the Faithful God, The Way, The Gate, The Door.
He is a Great and Awesome God. He sits upon the throne,
The Intercessor for our needs, Our Gift, The Living Stone.
Refiner, Purifier, Truth, The Son: Bright Morning Star,
The Lamb of God, The Bread of Life, The One Who Bears My Scar.
How sovereign is our God Most High, forgiving of our sin,
Through Man of Sorrows, Christ the Lord, The Ransom for all men.
He is the Bridegroom, Teacher, Light, The One who hears my prayer,
My Counselor and Master who will all my burdens bear.
The Resurrection and The Life, the Sure Foundation laid,
My Banner and My Victory, in whom my debt was paid.
Wise Potter, Faithful Gardener—He shapes and prunes and molds;
He’s Provider God—The Great I AM, A Father who upholds.
For lack of knowledge of their God The people are destroyed,
Yet when we know Him by His name, His power can be employed.
O God, give me a thirst for You—To love, praise, and adore,
For as I see Your glory, Lord, I want to know You more.
-c. Bobbie Perkins