“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
1 Chronicles 16:8, 10-11
When God invites us to call on His name, we should never be at a loss as to which name to use. I call the Lord my Shepherd and Friend during those times when God’s tenderness melts my heart and I cry to think how rich and full His love is.
Then there are times when I’m battling pride or wasting hours in daydreams. That’s when God’s Word slices through my sinfulness. It stings. His hand seems heavy. That’s when I call the Lord my Refiner, my Purifier.
There are times when I feel helpless and frightened, when no one, not even my husband or best friend, seems to understand. I hide under the shelter of His wings. I snuggle safely in the cleft of the Rock. These are times when I call God my Tower, my High Fortress.
When it comes to God, one name just isn’t enough. And because Scripture is full of different names for Him, we can always know exactly how to relate to our Lord, whether we fall to our knees in awesome respect, or climb up in His lap to be held in His arms.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
Herman Bavnick said, “Fire does not change whether it warms or illumines or burns. In the same way, in addressing God, we use His various names because of the various effects of His unchanging Essence upon us.” Dig through Scripture to find that name of God that best expresses your heart. He is your Rock. The Door. A Wall of Fire. Your Bread and Water. Your King and your Friend.
Your name is wonderful. How I love the name of Jesus!
