And those who know Your Name will put their trust in You.  For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.  Psalm 9:10

When it’s time to name our child, we often gravitate to a name of someone we admire.  We hope that our child will grow up to emulate that person’s character.  We will tell our child why we chose their name, regaling them with many stories about their namesake, hoping to give them connection.  We hope their respect will grow along with a desire to emulate the character traits of the one for whom they were named. 

No one named God.  He named Himself.  There was no human name-giver with an axe to grind to pollute our perceptions of God.  So easy would it be for someone to malign a perfect God with his limited understanding and Satan’s insidious accusations.  

But God removed the obstacles of being misperceived by revealing His own names.  Not just one, but many of them. Each reflects His personality and profile.  By studying them, our view of God will enlarge. We’ll come face to face with His character and our trust will expand.  

It is not often that we can recommend a person without reservation.  Usually, there are qualifications.  “Trust Sarah to do a good job for you.  She’s good at ‘this’ but not always good at ‘that’.”  God has no limits!  Trust and confidence will grow with each name we explore.  At the end of our life, I believe we will lament that we didn’t have more faith.  We’ll realize that our risks were measured because of unfounded fear, not because of God’s limitations.  

Are you with me for what’s ahead?  Our confidence will grow exponentially.  Our prayers will have a new boldness.  Our risks will be minimized.  Our obstacles will shrink into their proper perspective.  Our love will grow and worship will be instinctive and generous.  What better goals for the birth of a New Year!  

I love traveling with you.