The Many Names of God and What They Mean in Our Lives

A Joyful Visit and a Sweet Reminder

In just a few weeks, my son and his family will be arriving for their summer visit, and I couldn’t be more excited! They usually stay for a week, and it fills my house, and my heart, with laughter, noise, and all the grandkid snuggles I can soak up.

Every time they come, I’m reminded that I go by more than one name. To my Tennessee grandkids, I’m “Nana Tania,” and to my Virginia crew, I’m “NeeNee.” Same person, different names. Funny how that happens, right?

Who Am I? It Depends on the Day!

Over the years, I’ve been called many names:

• Daughter
• Sister
• Wife
• Mom
• Nana
• NeeNee
• Fashion Blogger
• Faith Writer

Each name reflects a different role or season, but they all describe me. The identity doesn’t change, just the name depending on who’s calling out to me.

God Has Many Names Too

One evening as I was praying, I found myself reflecting on this idea of names. I began my prayer with “Our Father, who art in heaven…” and then the names of God began tumbling through my mind. It struck me that I call on God differently depending on what I need.

Just like me, Nana or NeeNee, God’s identity doesn’t change. But how we experience Him can shift with our season of life.

Matthew 6:9 (NIV)
⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,

He Is Our Wonderful Counselor

When I’m facing tough decisions or need guidance, I lean on God as my Wonderful Counselor.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He lights my path and calms my confusion. He is wisdom when I don’t know what to do.

He Is the Great Physician

When illness strikes, whether in my life or someone I love, I cry out to the Great Physician. He is still in the miracle-working business.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Even when earthly doctors are unsure, God is certain. He brings healing, body, mind, and spirit.

He Is Our Protector

If I feel like I am under attack, then He is my protector and warrior. He will fight for me, and He will send my attackers fleeing. I call to Him and ask Him to help me put on His armor for protection. He is there for me!

Exodus 15:26 (NIV)
²⁶ He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

In Him, I Find Refuge

He is my shield, my refuge, and the One who sends His angels on my behalf.

Psalms 91:9-13 (NIV)
⁹ If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, ¹⁰ no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; ¹² they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

Same God, Many Names

There are so many names for our Lord, Jehovah Jireh (Our Provider), El Shaddai (God Almighty), Prince of Peace, and every single one points to His faithful presence in our lives. We may call Him by different names, but He is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

What Name Do You Call Him Today?

Think about what you’re walking through right now. Are you needing comfort? Healing? Provision? Protection? Guidance? Whatever it is, there’s a name for that, and He is there for you.

What is your favorite name or identity for God in this season of your life?

To God Goes The Glory!

Have a Great Day!

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being everything we need in every moment. You are our Counselor, Comforter, Healer, and Protector. No matter what season we’re in, You never change, and You never leave us. Help us to trust You more deeply, call on Your name more freely, and rest in Your presence more fully. May we be reminded daily that whatever we call You, Father, Lord, Savior, you are always listening.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.