Daily Power #270

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Ps. 23:3 ESV)

I’ve always been proud of my last name. My father and grandparents clearly enjoyed maintaining the strong, proud reputation of our name, which they had inherited from preceding generations. Groeschel is a good German name, derived from the German word grosch, a kind of gold or silver coin. There’s a good chance that my name originally reflected the occupation of my ancestors as either bankers, merchants, or moneylenders.

Do you know the meaning of your family name? Throughout history, in virtually every culture, names carry enormous significance. They reveal something about where we’ve come from and how we got where we are now. They display family occupational history, trigger generational stories, and reflect personal qualities and characteristics.

In the Bible we find dozens of different names for God, each reflecting a different aspect of his glorious character. Consider how we address him as Jehovah, the Great I AM, the Lord Almighty, Emmanuel, El Shaddai, and many more. Each of these emphasizes a particular quality he’s known for: his mercy, his generosity, his protection, his patience, his omniscience, his sovereignty.

If you want to overcome your doubts and grow closer to God, learning his names can deepen your faith. Your Father wants you to know him. Today call him by a name that reflects your greatest need right now.

Power Lift

There’s so much about you, Lord, that I still don’t know and may never know in this life. But I give you thanks and praise for the many wonderful ways you reveal yourself.