WHAT’S IN A NAME?
My sister played many roles in my life. She was my second mom; best friend; prayer partner; burden bearer; advisor; and helper. She hovered over me like a mother hen and was my greatest fan. I was blessed to have her walk with me through life. To give out of the abundance of her heart whatever my need. That’s just who she was!
I remember the moment I got the call. The shock of her death was riveting. Unexpected. Untimely. I can’t get used to her not being there. Just yesterday I felt that familiar wave of grief hit me. How I longed to hear her voice again!
I’ve learned to respond with thanksgiving whenever my emotions get the best of me. It’s my own spiritual and mental therapy to pull me out of the pits. As I thanked the Lord for who my sister was to me, the realization hit me that Jesus was more. More than anyone on earth could ever be. That’s who He was!
God reveals who He is in scripture. The Most High God is called our Father; Friend; Burden Bearer; Protector; Provider and Counselor. His names are never-ending. He is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere. He is everything and anything we will ever need. Our relationship with Him fulfills every longing and soothes every pain. Who can compare with that?
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 90:1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:9 If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord who is my refuge–then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 9:9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 91:14-15 Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Questions to consider:
1. What assurance do we have who know His name?
2. Where should we make our dwelling place?
3. What does that dwelling place provide?
4. Which names of God mean the most to you?
5. From Psalm 91:14, what can we do to grow in our relationship with the Lord?
Summary:
If you’re hurting today, try thanking God instead of focusing on your pain. Be intentional in cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Call on His name and acknowledge Him in every detail of life. He loves you and longs to be your dwelling place. What’s in a name? My sister was many things to me. But Jesus is much more. His name is who He is. And that’s everything!
Another wonderful lesson from the WORD OF GOD – if we know the name of the LORD then you and I will put our trust in HIM – the LORD is always with us if we ask HIM and really what would we do without HIM in our lives today. Our dwelling place should be made in the LORD at all times. It should be our prayer at all times in our lives – just dwell in the LORD in every aspect of our lives. Our dwelling place in the LORD gives us guidance and direction in our lives – love – faith – those are just 3 of the things – the LORD gives us many things in our lives if we only trust in HIM. GOD is the most high shelter in our lives – HE is always with us in our daily lives. You and I can call upon HIM at any time in our lives – HE knows our name – You and I can lead other to the knowledge of serving GOD with all their heart – We should thank GOD for everything in our lives – with the loss of our loved ones – HE is always there and we know they are in HEAVEN with HIM – what a wonderful thought. Talk to the LORD daily and grow in HIM. Thanks – Karen – another wonderful lesson – the story of your Sister was wonderful – I always wondered what it would be like to have a brother or sister in my life. I had friends who GOD sent in my life and would treat me as a sister or brother – GOD is so good to each one of us. So glad I have JESUS in my life also – HE IS SO WONDERFUL.