What’s In a Name?

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

— Proverbs 18:10

A name can draw instant recognition — for good or ill.

My first name and family name are quite common. Combining the two narrows the search range on Facebook but you will still find a slew of similarly named people scattered around the globe. Google it and you will find a New York Times columnist, a business owner, various musicians, a football player, and a sporting brand executive, among others.

Most folks probably wouldn’t seek me in distressing situations, even if they could locate me by GPS  — but I know someone they should go to. Prov. 18:10 says the Lord’s name is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

I find it interesting that the writer puts the emphasis on the name of the Lord rather than directly on God. What could be in a name?

Well, plenty, if you’re God!

I have a few nicknames but not the 956 that God has according to one website. These monikers create word pictures of who God actually is, in visual terms small minded humans like me can understand. I think that’s why the Psalmist placed a weighty emphasis on His name. Consider these:

Jehovah Jireh — The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:13-14)

Jehovah Rapha — The Lord that heals (Exodus 15:26)

Jehovah Nissi — The Lord our Banner (Exodus 17:8-15)

Jehovah Shalom — The Lord our Peace (Judges 6:24)

Jehovah Ra-ah — The Lord my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)

Jehovah Tsidkenu — The Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

Jehovah Shammah — The Lord is Present (Ezekiel 48:35)

Francis Schaeffer, the founder of the L’Abri community in Switzerland, penned a classic book titled, He is There and He is Not Silent. God wants to be known — He wants a relationship. The names above give an idea what that relationship looks like, even though we don’t measure up.

Are you living paycheck to paycheck? God will provide. Is your body in pain? Is your mind staging a revolt? God heals. Are you under attack by adversaries? God is a deliverer. Do you struggle with doubt? Do worries multiply exponentially? He gives peace. Do you need guidance? He is your shepherd. Have you failed, again? He is your righteousness. Are you lonely? He is present with you.

His names give hope.

Trouble bubbles up like acid reflux without warning. Depression leads to debilitating lethargy when overthinking a situation. Adversity waits for you to step outside the door. Sometimes it’s the foot that kicks you out the door. When that time comes, run — run straight to God when you get through the initial shock. He’s a tower that can’t be stormed, penetrated, infiltrated, or torn down. The name of the Lord will keep you safe.

© 2018 David Harlen Brooks | All rights reserved.

Photo by Achim Scholty | https://pixabay.com/en/architecture-tower-high-castle-3235244/