Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. Psalm 20:7 (NASB)
Proverbs 18:10 tells us, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." Why would the name of the LORD be a safe place? Certainly, there’s no place in this world we can guarantee safety and yet, God says safety is in His name. When Howard and I had our children, next to labor, the hardest thing we had to do was to name our child. I remember holding each child and saying every name I could think of until I felt like they “looked” like that name. How strange is that? As if a newborn looks anything but cute and wrinkled. But in biblical times, a name represented a person’s character. It’s not surprising then that God gave us His name to show us His attributes, His nature, and His power. We have the privilege of knowing and calling upon Him by His name. When we call upon His name, it causes us to take our focus off our circumstances and on who He is. We know that He is a God of comfort, power, peace, love, and hope. And when we need these things, we call upon Him to be what we need.
The first name we are given for God is Elohim. Elohim is the name for God as Creator. In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and earth. “El” means mighty or strong and “him” is used for Hebrew plural that indicates more than one god. Is there more than one God? No! This is the first reference to the Trinity. God spoke, the Spirit moved and Colossians 1:16 tells us Jesus was present in creation. Elohim created the heavens, the earth and you! Do you struggle with insecurity or purpose? Genesis 2 tells us that God created man in His image. You exist because of God! In Psalm 139 we are told that we are formed in our mother’s womb and are wonderfully made. God (Elohim) created you for Him. You are not a mistake. God has a purpose for you and your purpose is to glorify your Creator because you were created in His image. Whenever you feel like you don’t measure up to others expectations or you wonder why you are here on this earth, remember God created you for His purpose. You are a child of God and He has allowed you to know Him. He is your creator and He delights in you.
Reflect on your great Elohim—your Creator. Often at night I go outside and look up and am in awe of God as I stare at the stars. Whether it’s stars, a mountain or an ocean, His creation reminds me of His great power. His name Elohim brings comfort knowing there is nothing in my life that He cannot handle. I am His child. He created me and He will take care of me! Man and woman are the only creations that God created in His image. And He gave His life for you! What more value could we bring to ourselves that God has not already given? Let’s sing with the angels in heaven: “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Further Reading
Genesis 1 & 2, Psalm 139, Exodus 4:11, Isaiah 43:1, 3, 4, 7
