5 Names of God: Drawing Closer to the One Who Loves You Most

Abba is the most intimate form of God’s name, showing us His character as our loving daddy. He is the One who can be fully trusted, the One we can lean on, the One who cares about all that concerns us. Just as a godly father’s presence offers protection, security, and unconditional love, the constant presence of our heavenly Father is what gives us the strength and covering we need for this life’s journey.

This is one of my favorite names of God because in it He conveys His heart for each of His children: He gives us the privilege of being called his own sons and daughters. He provides the way for us to call out to Him and the assurance, beyond a doubt, that He hears and will answer. In our most painful times in life, we can crawl into the lap of our heavenly Father and know that He is for us, and His arms will hold us secure.

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Yahweh is derived from the Hebrew word for “I AM.” It is the proper name of the divine person, coming from the verb "to be", which means "to exist.” When God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was scared. He needed reassurance, he needed to know God was bigger than this problem, that even if people wouldn’t listen to him, they would listen to the One who sent him. His name carried that much awe and honor.

He said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”  God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites, “I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:13-14)

God’s name, Yahweh, is one of authority. It is one that holds great power, and says to all who hear, “I AM the One, true God. Follow me.” God is still the “Great I AM,” for He never changes. We can trust His loving leadership in our lives, just as Moses did. He calls us for his specific purposes, reminding us that He knows our way and He has a plan. 

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I love the kindness and care this name reveals in God’s character. He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness. He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, all on our own, or when we just need the reminder that God is close. The name El Roi says to us that God is watching over all, that He sees the affairs of people, and knows when we feel lost and unloved.

When Hagar had run away to a desert place, far from those she felt hurt and betrayed by, we see God surround her in so much grace and care. He didn’t leave her alone in her troubles. Nor will He leave us to fend for ourselves through difficult times. This story of God’s name reminds us that He is always close, that He sees us when we feel like no one else does, and that He cares.

“She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." (Genesis 16:13)

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God’s name, El Shaddai, reminds us that He is all-powerful, He is the Mighty One, He is the 9-1-1 (Psalm 91:1) to run to. And we can find refuge and rest in His shadow. This is comforting in a world where we face many battles day by day. Sometimes it’s hard to know who we can trust; we may feel unsafe or uncertain in circumstances surrounding us. We want to know that our loved ones are protected and covered in His care, especially when they’re away from us.

This verse and God’s reminder that He is the Almighty gives us the security and assurance that nothing else around us can offer. He is the God who sees all, knows all, and has the power to go before us, walk with us daily, and cover us from behind. Dwelling in God’s presence gives us shelter and rest.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

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God is the only One able to give us the peace that passes all of our own understanding. Gideon knew this well from a time that he and his people were surrounded by a fierce enemy. There was nothing about that time that seemed “peaceful.” And yet, God showed up strong on their behalf, He was faithful and brought deliverance straight through fear-filled days.

Maybe that’s why Gideon felt so led to build an altar to the Lord and call it, “The Lord is Peace.” In times of greatest darkness, he had seen how true this was. The peace of God often doesn’t make sense to a world that would tell us to hurry and worry. A world that seems hard some days, and often so full of struggles. In the midst of it all, He reminds us that He is our true peace, so we never need to fear. No matter what we face.

“Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and named it The LORD is Peace.” (Judges 6:24)

God's Promises Revealed in His Name

If you need some extra reassurance today that our God is close and cares about all that concerns you, find hope in His powerful name. He is the God of miracles and nothing is impossible for Him. He split the seas, and delivered His people from all their enemies. He offered His protection through desert days, and lovingly led them in the wilderness to the promised land. He still works miracles today.

He provided a way for us to be saved through His Son Jesus Christ, and He gives us His Spirit to help us today. Don’t ever believe the lie that God is distant, too busy, or that He doesn’t care about you. The very God who created you knows your every burden, every struggle, and He cares more deeply than we could fully know. His name reflects the goodness and strength that He pours out on us every single day. May we embrace the truth of all that He is; and draw close to His presence today.

Peace.

 

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com.

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