"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
In less than two weeks we will celebrate Christmas and prepare to enter a new year. A year that I am sure has many new challenges for us as it does blessings. This year has been a rocky year to say the least. Political chaos, unusual, even weird weather, a lot of sickness. Many have lost jobs, loved ones, relationships, etc. Life just gets tough sometimes. Whether it is health, finances, family issues or other difficulties, one thing I have learned is to call upon the name of the Lord, for it is He alone who can rescue us
In the bible there are many references to various Hebrew names of God that point to a particular area of His care for us in our lives. I would like to share a few of those names with you and how you can apply them to your life.
Jehovah Shalom – “The Lord our Peace” – “So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace..." (Judges 6:24)
When life is stressful and you’re feeling no peace, run to the Prince of Peace and let him fill you with his peace that passes all understanding. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Jehovah Nissi – “God is my Banner” – “And Moses built an altar and called its name, THE-LORD-IS-MY-BANNER;” (Exodus 17:15)
In those times when you just want to run and hide under the covers, run to Jesus instead and let him cover you with his banner of love and protection.
Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord is my Provider” – “And Abraham called the name of the place, THE-LORD-WILL-PROVIDE; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The LORD it shall be provided." (Genesis 22:14)
This name of the Lord is a reminder of God’s promise to provide for our needs. Notice it’s our needs he provides for, not always our wants. I remember a time about fifteen years when I saw a $900.00 bill forgiven. Praise God! More recently, in the past four years I have seen God provide in ways that I never dreamed.
Jehovah Rapha – O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. Psalm 30:2
This Hebrew word, Rapha means to “restore, to heal, to cure and to repair.” This can apply to physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Jehovah Shammah – “The Lord Who is always Present – “It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. ”- (Ezekiel 48:35)
What a wonderful promise! He is always there when we need him! Now there may be times when it feels like He is not there and instead of trusting His hand we have to trust His heart. People may leave us. But as the song Matthew West sings, “He’s the God Who Stays.” We can’t always “feel” God, but we know that His word is true because it says, “He will never leave us nor forsake us. “ (Hebrews 13:15)
Yahweh Roi – “The Lord is my Shepherd” – Psalm 23
This chapter is the Book of Psalms is probably the most read chapter of the bible. Many turn to it for comfort during difficult times. The Lord does care for us tenderly as a shepherd tends to his flock. To gain a greater understanding of Jesus being the Good Shepherd in your life I would highly recommend the book “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23” written by W. Phillip Keller.
It’s amazing how when new trials come our way, we quickly forget what God has done for us in the past. When I face those times of wondering what God is up to in my life, I often go back and refresh myself with some of the meanings of His name.
Christmas isn’t an easy time for many. My friend, be encouraged today, the Lord is for you, not against you. Ask Him to help you focus on the positives of what He’s done for you. Take a step in a new direction and trust the Lord with this season of your life. Sometimes we just need to stop and listen to what God is saying to us.
Lastly, don’t fall into the trap of isolation. That is one the of the devil’s biggest schemes. He wants you to withdraw and be alone, making you susceptible to discouragement. Instead of running into hiding, go to your local church or Christian friend and ask for prayer. Take time to pray His name over your life. There is power in the prayer of agreement with another person and proclaiming His name over your life!
As Tasha Cobbs Leonard sings, “There is power in the name of Jesus To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.”
Friends, let’s go forward into this holiday season and the new year STRONGLY declaring the power of the name of Jesus!
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