In our twentieth century Western culture, personal names are little more than labels used to distinguish one person from the next. On the other hand, God has many names with many different and wonderful meanings. They define His character, explain His ways, and give promises. His names identify Him. God revealed His names to His people rather than allowing them to choose their names for Him.

His name Elohim: The plural form of EL, means “strong one.”

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”  Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

El Shaddai: “God Almighty”

           El Elyon: “The Most High God”

           El Olam: “The Everlasting God”

There is truly power in His holy name! One call to El Elyon, and the Most High stands with us to face down anything in our path.

El Roi: “The God Who Sees Me”

This name of God reminds us that the heavenly Father is watching over us. He sees where we go, what we do, when we stray and when we climb His high places in pursuit of His fellowship. He is the God of the mountains… El Shaddai

Jehovah-Rohi: “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”

We are God’s children and we are referred to as the lambs He shepherds and protects. Wolves are all around us, but the staff of the Lord is raised high and is swift to defend. The enemy is overcome every time we call upon Jesus, the only son of God.

Immanuel is “God With Us” the great I AM.

As we travel along our spiritual journey and the path God has laid before us, He moves with us as a faithful companion. When we see wondrous things and praise His holy name, He is witness to our awe and thanksgiving. When we face down lions and many dangers, He stands near by to direct us to safety. When we lie down to sleep, He who never sleeps will keep watch over us. He is always with us and never absent.

Jehovah-Rapha: “The Lord Who Heals”

Should we find ourselves holding a broken heart, the God of healing will apply His balm and restore the wellspring of our life. Should illness strike, He will heal, or not heal, according to His good pleasure and will. His desire is that all man be saved and God uses miraculous healing to win souls. But He also wins souls through the patient endurance of saints who never find physical healing, but maintain an attitude of praise.

Jehovah Mekoddishkem: “The Lord Who Sanctifies You”

When we undergo the process of refinement, we endure fiery trials that bring unwanted elements to the surface. With the help of the Refiner, these impurities are extracted. The end result of sanctification is that we are stronger in our faith, and our relationship with God is even more robust and powerful.

Jehovah Jireh: “The Lord Will Provide”

Provide what? The answer is…. anything necessary to accomplish His perfect will. God is not some genie who grants magic wishes. He has a plan and we have a part to play in that plan. He has already knit into us the gifts and talents we need to fulfill His intention. When we face a roadblock, He will provide the wisdom to get around it or His strength to remove it.

God has revealed many other names to us, but I will end with

Jehovah Shalom: “The Lord Is Peace.”

God is our resting place and our peace. We face battles every day, but God provides quiet places of tranquility. Chaos may be all around us, but when we remember to look up we can find a calm in our storm. He knows how to sooth His children. When our minds are focused on Him the anxieties that have entangled us are snipped away.

I wish you the blessing of peace. May it give you strength and provide encouragement. Shine your light and let the peace in your heart be a beacon to others.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)

“So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace.To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites”  Judges 6:24 (NKJV)

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.”

Psalm 148:13 (NKJV)

“No one is like you, Lord; You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.” Jeremiah 10:6 (NKJV)

“Our God is not an impotent God with one arm; but as he is slow to anger, so is he great in power.”     ~Abraham Wright