The Name of the Lord
Have you ever thought about the meaning of your name? The meaning of a name is more important in some cultures than others. In Scripture, the meaning of a name can tell you a lot about a specific person or the character of that person.
Similarly, the name of the Lord is not just a common name. The Lord’s name is meant to carry the identity, character, and actions of God. That is why Scripture tells us to call upon the name of the Lord as a means of help and comfort.
God’s name tells us who He is. He is God, the Creator and Ruler of everything on the earth. He is the one who is above everything else in all the earth. That means He is more powerful and more wise than anyone else too.
God’s name also tells us about His character. We learn in Scripture that God is faithful, merciful, loving, and strong—His presence is a place of protection for those who follow Him.
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
God’s name also tells us about His actions. He rescues and saves His children. He fights for the weak and He provides for the needy.
All of these good traits are wrapped up in the name of the Lord. When we call upon His name, we are trusting and believing that God is who He says He is.
What other attributes of God’s character come to mind when you think about Him? Take a moment to thank Him for who He is and all that He has done for you.
Peace That Stays
Everyone wants peace. In the world, in our homes, and in our hearts. In difficult times, we seek comfort. In heartbreaking moments, we want a peace that remains steady despite the circumstances.
The Bible teaches about this kind of peace. Philippians 4:7 describes the peace of God. No amount of self-talk or meditation can manufacture this kind of peace—it only can come from God Himself. Preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon described this kind of peace as the perfect calm and happiness of God, who is always content.
This peace transcends all understanding. It's the idea that something goes beyond our normal way of thinking. That is a beautiful description of what God’s peace does. It exceeds our understanding and surpasses anything we could expect or imagine. It also guards and protects our hearts and minds.
How do we get this kind of peace? The surrounding verses in Philippians offer guidance. Philippians 4:6 tells us to take every anxious thought and turn it into a ...