Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name? Do you think it defines you?
I hated my name when I was in school. Try not to stand out as the only one named “Verna” dressed in auburn hair on bone-skinny frame. As I got older, I grew into my name and was grateful to be someone who didn’t seem to need a last one. Besides, it means spring-green. Since I was born in the spring, the meaning makes me feel a little hopeful and organic.
Names are of value – they’re attached to people. When being introduced, one of the first things we ask is someone’s name. Otherwise, they might just remain an acquaintance. In ancient times, names were important because it expressed the character of the person. Names were often symbols of how God changed the lives of people in the example of Abram to Abraham. Sarai to Sarah. Jacob to Israel. God gave me a new name even though it’s spelled like the old one. . . .but it expresses a different character.
The Hebrew names of God demonstrate His attributes. Years ago I studied a book written by Kay Arthur, Lord I Want to Know You. It was then that I first discovered the powerful meaning revealed in each sacred name that holds the answer to every situation in life.
This year I’m focusing on one name a month to camp in His character. There are many other names of Jehovah God, but I have chosen only one a month, a dozen to dwell upon. Please join me in finding more of Him through twelve beautiful names for His name is like His signature securing a promise.
The very first time we’re introduced to God in the pages of the Bible (Genesis 1) we find He is the Creator of all things, Elohim.
El Elyon, the God Most High is the sovereign controller of the universe. He sustains His people through every trial on planet earth and yet is the ruler of heaven. (Genesis 14)
El Roi, the God who sees, watches over His creation with a holy eye and knows us by name. (Genesis 16)
El Shaddai, reveals His bounty as the nourisher and the almighty. (Genesis 17)
Adonai, our Master and Owner of it all is revealed in (Genesis 15).
Jehovah Jireh, our provision in want and in plenty. (Genesis 22).
Jehovah Rapha our healer, the only One who can cure a sin sick world. (Exodus 15)
Jehovah Nissi our banner, the One who fights our battles. (Exodus 17)
Jehovah Shalom, the God of our peace, told in the story of Gideon. (Judges 6:22).
Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, the God of angel armies to call upon when we sense defeat and lack of strength. (1 Samuel 1)
Jehovah Raah, our Shepherd who directs our path and sometimes needs to carry us along the way. (Ezekiel 34).
Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there. His personal presence surrounds us when we feel alone or abandoned. (Ezekiel 48)
Scripture commands the name of God to be hallowed. The Greek word means to make holy, the opposite of common. There is nothing common about the power of peace, provision, healing, and sovereignty provided within every title that can carry us through 24/7 from the beginning to end of our year, so . . . Hallowed be Thy name, Father.
Those who know Thy name put their trust in Thee. Psalm 9:10
Verna
I love the names of God. Can’t wait to follow this!
I know you do, Precept sister!
Verna,
Love the names of God! Brings back the sweet memories of doing the study together.
And we learned something new and deeper every time!
My name is Verna. Verna Mae.
I appreciate what Gods titles mean .It draws me even closer to him.
I did not like my name all my growing up years.when I learned that it meant a tree planted by the water ,and also spring, and one born in the masters house. I began to not only like my name, but wanted to live up to the name.I know the only way to live period is by the name of Jesus.For he is God come in the flesh.For that was in God’s plan that Jesus show us Eternal life, That eternal life is God the Father.
Thank you. Sincerely,Verna Mae
Thank you for this sweet comment, another Verna! I knew the meaning “spring-like” of course, but I love “a tree planted by water and one born in the master’s house.” Thank you so much – and may you be blessed!