His Name Describes Who He Is

In biblical times, names reflected character. They ought to do the same today. Back then, if you knew a person’s name, you came closer to understanding the person.

First, we will look at some of God’s names in the Old Testament.

Elohim - the Creator God

Adonai - the Lord.

Jehovah - the God who keeps His covenant.

El Elyon - the Most High God

(Describes the God who looks down from heaven and says, “Everything is in my hand.” When you call on Him, it is a way of saying that no matter what is going on, everything is under His control.)

El Olam - the Everlasting, Unchanging God

(No matter how volitile your circumstances, no matter how unstable your life may seem, you serve a God who is the same all the time.)

El Shaddai - God Almighty, full of Grace

What I need I don’t deserve, so God is there to make up the difference with His grace.

El Roi - The God who sees

(When I’m hurting, I need Him, for God is so intimately connected with my circumstances that He hurts with me.)

Jehovah Raah - The Lord, my Shepherd

(When I don’t know which direction to take in life and I get down on my knees and call on God, I know that I am about to be aimed in the perfect direction.)

Jehovah Sabbaoth - the Lord of Hosts

(When I find myself in a lot of trouble and no one seems ready to come to my aid, I remember God. If necessary, He will send all the angels of heaven to get me where I need to go.)

Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will provide

Jehovah Rapha - The Lord who heals you

Jehovah Shalom - The Lord, my peace

Jehovah Shammah - The Lord who is always near

These names only describle part of our multifaceted Father in heaven.

Hallowed be His name.

Successful prayer requires an understanding of the person of God.

Knowing His names gives us insight into His person.

Secondly, what about your name?

Do you know what your name means?

Are you living up to the character of your name?

Do you name your children with their name meaning in mind?

If you do not know your name meaning, you should find out what it is.

Then attempt to live in such a way as to bring God glory with respect to your name, be it Jabez (He causes or will cause pain) or Daniel (God is my judge).