Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. Psalm 135:13 ESV
My name is Rosann (without an e). Its significance lies in the reasoning behind the choice that my parents made when they gave it to me. But those facts are not widely known.
It was chosen to honor the women in my life. My paternal grandmother was Rose. Rose was combined with my mother’s middle name, Ann, to form Rosann. But this significance is only known to me and my family.
And while my name serves to identify me and connect me to my family of origin, it does little more. Yet the names of God found in Scripture reveal His character, show His love for us, and offer promises we can hold on to. Taking a dive into the names of God has helped me grow closer to Him, trust Him more, and strengthen my heart in the hard times. They serve to anchor my soul and encourage me to hold on to Him in every circumstance.
That’s why I’m taking the time to revisit them and share them with you. You will find the name followed by a Scripture, a brief description, and a prayer for inspiration. As you read through God’s names, I pray you find hope in His character, His promises, and His presence to carry you through any trial you face.
This begins our series that will appear on the website for the next several weeks and contains four parts.
Names of God:
Elohim: Creator
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 ESV
The very first chapter, verse, and sentence of the Bible declares the existence of God, His deity, and His creative hand. It not only serves to reveal His creative hand but also His authority and sovereignty. If He made me, surely He can keep me, guide me, and provide for me.
Lord, You are the creator of the world, and I thank you for creating me. Because I know that You hold the world in Your hands, I will trust that You hold the current circumstances of my life. Please create a pure heart in me and form Your perfect plan for my life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
El Elyon: God Most High
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2 ESV
We serve the One True God––Mighty God. He is above any idol, god, or creative being. When we cry out to Him, He is big enough, strong enough, and mighty enough to hear––and answer. His wonderful purpose for our lives will be fulfilled.
O Mighty God, my El Elyon, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Remind me that You are big enough to take care of any problem I face today––and always. I lay my desires and needs in Your capable hands and ask for Your will to be done. I praise You even now for the answers.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
El Roi: The God Who Sees Me
Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” Genesis 16:13 NKJV
You’re probably familiar with the story of Abraham and Sarah who were promised a son, Isaac. After years of waiting on the promise to be fulfilled, Sarah got antsy and decided she needed to help God complete His task. She came up with the not-so-bright, idea to give her servant Hagar to Abraham to conceive. Friction ensued between Sarah and Hagar.
Done with it all, Hagar ran away. Hungry, desperate, and alone, Hagar lay down in the desert and wondered what would come of her. That’s when an angel appeared to Hagar, offered her comfort, and gave her direction. Hagar praised the Lord and proclaimed, “You Are the God Who Sees.”
The same God who saw––and revealed Himself to––Hagar in the wilderness sees you right where you are today. In the desert of despair, God is there. He will give you comfort and guide you through the valleys.
Lord, thank you for never taking Your eyes off me. When I find myself in the desert of despair, comfort my heart. Fill me with peace, knowing that Your guiding hand is leading me. I trust You to bring about a wonderful purpose for my pain.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Leaving a Well
Featured Image by Aleksandr Popov on Unsplash
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