A good name is to be chosen over great riches.
Proverbs 22
by Angela Blount
©2009, All Rights Reserved
I think I've actually spent a great deal of my life considering the significance of the many names of God. When Moses asked who He was, God told him "I Am." Ehyeh. I am that I am. Which literally translates as "I-shall-be that I-shall-be." Jesus' name is composed of "Yah" and "shua," meaning, "I AM is deliverer." God is, in all three persons, precisely who I need him to be, at all points in my life. There have been times I've most often called Him Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. Other times I've called to Him as Jehovah-Rophe, my healer. When I'm in need of humbling, He is Adonai, my Lord and my Master. I could go on, but I'm sure you've studied the many names of God better than I have.
Most prominent to me has been the Aramaic, Abba. When I was growing up, my biological father was a volatile, frustrated, and unapproachable man most of the time, as his battle with his own temper left him with no liking for his own children. As with most approval-seeking children, I struggled long and hard to impress him and earn his affection. I became a tough-as-nails tomboy out of the misguided impression that my father would have prefered it if I'd been a boy. I stuffed emotion, lashed out with equal volatility as he did, and steadily sank into depression in my early to mid teen years. Undirected anger became my inheritance for a time. Having been told as a child that Abba meant 'daddy', I clung to my fascination over this particular name for God. I longed for the kind of unconditional love, vulnerability, and gentleness the term 'daddy' suggested. I'd never been able to call my own father that, but I found I -could- call my heavenly father Abba, and it soothed that aching void I hadn't been able to compell my earthly father into fulfilling. I used to picture myself in a big, comfy chair, literally curled up in God's lap while He hugged me. I could never picture a face on Him, but that never really mattered.
When I've been at my worst, calling Him Abba to me is a pleading that I'm convinced brings an immediate connection. Perhaps not an immediate answer, but I never have to doubt that He hears me. And in recent years, He's healed my biological father's heart dramatically. To the point where I now say with confidence that I have two daddies. And for that, I have my Abba to thank.
~Angela Blount
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Read More Name Stories:
A Name's Meaning: The significance of Names, and the Encouragement they bring.
Jacob, a life seeking Blessing.
Angela, a name with a Message.
Maria, a name of Healing and Forgiveness
Blake: Meaning Behind the Research
Caleb: The Courage found through a Courageous Leader.
Elijah: The one who Called His God by Name.
Demaris: Strength submitted to God.
TRUST in the Lord, Names with Trusting Meanings
Driver's Ed, How these Name Gifts first started, over 10 years ago.
"My People", Our experience at the Home Educator's 2009 Convention.
How CrossTimber researches a name
FAQ: Questions about Names and Meanings
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