As part of my time alone with God, I often read and pray my way through a Psalm. I find Psalms such an uplifting and encouraging book - a place where the heart of man and the heart of God meet.
This morning I was reading Psalm 124, which is a Psalm of David. Its whole theme is remembrance - remembering what has gone before, and remembering how God has delivered David throughout his life. Its modern equivalent could be a verse from Amazing Grace:
"Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home."
There is something about many of the hymns that capture and express things our modern day praise and worship songs don't. Perhaps there are many reasons for that. But I'm not writing about the need for us to rediscover many of the old hymns (although I think we would do well too).
I want to write about verse 8.
Psalm 124:8
One sentence.
"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
The previous verses in the Psalm have been a celebration of the protection and deliverance of God. This one sentence stands like the conclusion to the Psalm.
The answer to the equation, if you will.
David's help is in the name of the Lord. What does this mean?
Names are personal.
Names say something about you.
Names 'define' you.
Most of us know what our names mean. My first name means 'strong' or 'precious' - which are, of course, both so apt. My surname means 'dweller on a hill' which is perhaps less apt!
Anyhow, our parents gave us our names so their definitions might not be wholly accurate.
Except God's.
Because, you see, God named himself. He chose his own name. And he is never wrong. Nor does he lie.
So when God says he is Jehovah Jireh - The God Who Provides - he will!
When God says he is Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness - he means it.
I wonder if knowing the names of God gave David great comfort when he prayed. The same can be true for us.
As a reminder of to whom we speak.
As a remembrance of what he has done in the past.
And as a catalyst of faith for the present and future.
See, even in this verse David reminded himself that God was Creator - he made the heavens and the earth. And because he made them, they were subject to him.
Everything.
EVERYTHING.
The heavens - the unseen, the spiritual realm, the non-physical. He commands it.
The earth - the seen, the material world, the physical. He commands it.
Perhaps there are things in your life right now that you cannot see, but threaten you. He reigns over them.
Perhaps there are things in your life that you can see, and they oppose you. He reigns over them too.
Let me encourage you to take this opportunity to learn some of the names of God (found here) and in doing so, learn more about God. Then as you keep seeking him, confident in who he is because he has shared his names with you, I'm sure you will have stories of where you learn firsthand that he is indeed who he says he is.
Just like David.
Just like Psalm 124.
