Everything Is in a Name

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  09/08/21

In Biblical times, a name often represented a person’s character or calling. The same can be true for us today. Our names can reflect who we are and what character traits we have.

If names are important to us, they are even more important when it comes to our understanding of the Lord. His names are a revelation of His nature, identity, and sovereignty. If we really want to know God, we have to know His names and what they reveal about Him.

God wants us to know Him intimately and to praise Him completely. He desires a deep, abiding relationship with each of us. Hebrews 13:15 states, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

This sacrifice of praise that the writer of Hebrews is talking about is proclaiming the names of God. Some of the names of the Lord are Jehovah Jireh, our provider; Jehovah Rapha, our healer; Jehovah Nissi, our banner; and Jehovah Shalom, our peace.

God delights in the praises of His people. Praise Him when you are happy. Praise Him when you are lonely or worried. Call out to Jehovah Shalom. He will give you His peace. Praise Him when you have a specific need and don’t know how it is going to be met. Seek Jehovah Jireh and trust in His unfailing provision.

When we praise the names of God, we begin to know our Savior more, and we see His work in our lives.

Prayer: Thank You Lord that You are the I AM, the Beginning and the End, the Prince of Peace, our heavenly Father. Reveal to me today an aspect of Your nature that You want me to know more deeply. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen” (Psalm 72:19).