What name of the Lord do you need today?
THE NAME OF THE LORD
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it, and they are saved.
I can hear us singing this when I was a kid at camp. When we came to the line, the righteous ran into it, we would bang our hands against our heads as we had literally run into something. Kid fun—we didn’t fully understand the name of the Lord as a place to run to for safety.
How can a name be a place of safety? This concept can be hard to grasp even as an adult. We don’t place much weight on a name's meaning in contemporary culture. Names are often chosen in honor of someone, for how they sound, or what’s popular at a specific time.
NAMES IN BIBLICAL TIMES
In Biblical times, names were powerful and chosen carefully for their meanings. Consider:
- Abraham, whom God renamed Abram in the covenant, declared that he would be the father of many nations.
- David, which means beloved.
- Isaac, which means he will laugh.
- Simon, whose name Jesus changed to Peter, which means rock or stone.
God’s name tells us about who He is; His name is an expression of His character. Unlike our human character, God’s character does not change; it is consistent. So, we can safely run to His name (to Him), knowing He will remain faithful to who He is.
HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL
Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
I have found this to be true. As I have gotten to know God better, I have learned more about His character. As I’ve read His word, I’ve encountered more of His names and learned more about who He is. I want to be a student of God—to keep getting to know Him.
One of my favorite names of God is El Roi (the God who sees me). When I was first diagnosed with my illnesses, I clung to the fact that El Roi was the God who saw me. In times when we can feel unseen and misunderstood, we can run into the name of the Lord El Roi.
How about Shepherd? We all know Psalm 23, but if we take time with this chapter, we will see a wide range of ways God describes a shepherd.
- He is our resting place.
- He is our guide.
- He leads and refreshes.
- He helps us choose the right paths.
- He goes with us everywhere—even into the darkest places.
- He corrects and gives wisdom.
- He runs after us with goodness and mercy, offering hope for the future.
All these things and more in one name! I am so thankful He is my shepherd.
WHAT NAME OF THE LORD DO YOU NEED TODAY?
Another powerful name for God is Rock (El Sali in Hebrew, meaning God, my rock). So often, I need God to be my stable refuge in this world of shifting sand. As David says in 2 Samuel 22:32-33: For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
A challenging name for many of us is Refiner. We don’t like to be refined because it is usually painful. My journey with chronic illnesses has led me to revere this name of God. As I have journeyed, God has been teaching me about refinement. I’ve learned He can wear away the broken parts of me into something more beautiful, more of a reflection of Him. I wrote about this in my devotional book, Searching for Sea Glass.
How about you? What name of the Lord do you need today? Could taking time to meditate on that name and who God is bring insight into this day? Spend time today exploring God’s character through His names.
Truly, the name of the Lord is a strong tower we can run into (Proverbs 18:10)!
PRAYER
Father, how we want to know You! Thank You that we can understand more of Your character through Your names. Thank You that You never change. Help us to run to You and all that You are at any time. In Jesus’ name, amen.
INVITATION
Chronic Joy has an essential list (with Biblical references) of 200 names of God that can help us get to know God better each day. Bookmark it and spend time delighting in His many names and characteristics. May He be a strong tower you can turn to in any circumstance!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- Where or to whom do you run when you are facing difficulties?
- What name of God is powerful for you?
- Is there a name you would like to know more about?
Kara Plett
Ministry Assistant
Kara and her husband Conrad live in Calgary, Canada, where she taught for 28 years. She loves the Word of God and encourages others through her devotional writing. Kara felt led to write a book of devotionals (Searching for Sea Glass) when her journey with chronic illnesses pressed her more deeply into God’s arms of love. She prays that her journey and refinement will encourage your walk with God.
The Names of God
God is called by many names, each expressing a truth about His nature or a promise to His people. El Shaddai ("I am God Almighty.") is the first name God calls Himself in Scripture (Genesis 17:1). Learning God’s names deepens, strengthens, and enriches our relationship with Him.
Thank you so much Kara. I have never heard of El Roi or El Sali. I love them both and will explore the printable. God bless and thanks again!
I’m so glad, Cindy. I hope you enjoy the printable!
Your writing is a consistent source of encouragement and hope. Thank you for these wise and comforting words, well-timed as it’s been a rough pain day. El Roi … He sees me and has provided the gift of your article. Thank you, Kara!!
Thank you for this teaching and I have printed off the Names of God so I can remember and study.