Have you ever wanted to change your name or wondered who you would be without a name?
Names are important. It is by our name that other people identify us and that we identify ourselves. In biblical times, parents gave their children names with descriptive meanings such as strong, trustworthy, and leader, in hopes they would embody these traits when they grew up. Ecclesiastes 7:1 states, "A good name is better than fine perfume."
The words we use to describe other people can either hurt or encourage them. There was a teacher who asked her students to tell what they wanted to do when they grew up.
For the most part the students gave the usual responses -- doctor, lawyer, policeman, nurse, pilot, and firefighter. Then the teacher asked Billy. He said, "I want to be possible."
"Possible?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied, "because my mom tells me all the time that I'm impossible. So I want to grow up to be possible."
As believers, we are adopted into the kingdom of God. We are given a new identity, a new name, and a life filled with possibility. We are called the children of God. No matter what our past is and regardless of our mistakes, the Lord knows our name and desires our worship and praise.
As a son or daughter of the King of kings, there are many reasons why we should praise Him. He does not change. He is mightier than any problem we might face. He is all-wise and loving. He will never leave us. He is our hope. So whether we like the name on our birth certificate or the nicknames we have been given by those who know us, we can find joy in knowing that we are called by God and that our names are written on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).
Prayer: God of the universe, You know my name! Thank You for Your love and for this new identity. Thank You for the abundant inheritance You give Your children. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds" (Psalm 68:4).
