What's In A Name?

When it comes to our individual names, we generally like people to get them right. We don't like to hear them mispronounced, see them misspelled, or used in a slanderous way or negative context. The name by which we have become known is one we want people to hear and think well of. However, a name can be much more than identification. In fact with God we find reflected the identity of What and Who He is!

David declared. . .
"(9) The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (10) And those who KNOW YOUR NAME put their TRUST IN YOU, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." ( Psalm 9:9-10 ESV)

As I read this verse yesterday morning, my first thought was "Which name?" The name mentioned in these two verses that is translated in all capitals as "LORD" is what is known as either "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" and refers to the essence of God as "the existing One". This name also conveys the aspect of Him as the "Covenant God." The One who is faithful to His promises -- faithful to all He says -- and will always be around (always exists) to keep His covenant, can always be trusted. To KNOW GOD by knowing this Name should be a great source of encouragement to us. God, the LORD, can be depended on. To KNOW HIM in this way should make a great impact on the manner in which we live and how we even face life's challenges.

Still, this one name is not the only one by which our God is to be known. I am struck by the reality one name alone cannot totally describe or reveal God to us. He is too awesome and vast to be understood by the use of one term. Among the many Hebrew names of God found in the Old Testament are: "Elohim" (God as "Creator". This is plural which brings the presence of the Son and the Holy Spirit as united with the Father in the creation of life), "Adnonai" or "Athonai" (God as "Ruler"), "Eloah" ("Strength"), "El Shaddai" ("God Almighty"), "El-Olam" ("God the everlasting One"), "Elyon" (Exalted One" or "Most High"), . . . and the list goes on and on.

Every one of these names tell us something about God and clue us in as to how we should relate to Him. The more we KNOW GOD the more we will honor, trust, and desire to keep seeking and pleasing Him. May each day He provides bring us to KNOW HIM more and more so as to provide us with the assurance, confidence and power He desires us to possess for sustaining us through all of life's varied experiences.

Have a great day GETTING TO KNOW HIM MORE!
Carl

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