This post is the second is a series of posts on finding hope and healing through the Word of God.

Lost, frightened, and alone, she wanders far from home. An uncertain future before her, she wonders what will happen to her. Will she die out here? Does anyone even care? Blinded by tears, she falls to the ground and sobs. And then she hears a voice:

“The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered. Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel added, “I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count.” The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.” Genesis 16:7-11

God saw Hagar crying in the wilderness. He saw how her mistress Sarai had hurt her. He saw deep into her wounded heart and had compassion. In response to God’s kindness, Hagar gives God a name, El Roi. “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.” (vs.13)

Did you know that there are more than 200 names for God in the Bible? If you include titles and nicknames, there are hundreds more. Our God is so immense, complex, and amazing, it takes so many names to describe Him. It is these names which reveal to us aspects of His love, character, wisdom, and power.

My own heart has been filled with worry and fear many times. I’ve felt alone and uncertain about the future. Many time anxiety has taken over my heart, paralyzing me. I too have run. I too have hidden from all that frightens me. But no matter where I go, God is always there. He sees, He knows, and He cares about all the burdens on my heart. He sees the weight on my shoulders and the way worry holds me hostage.

Learning the names of God revealed to us in Scripture can help us in times of fear, worry, and uncertainty. Knowing not only the names, but their meanings reveals to us just how good, strong, beautiful, and amazing our God is. The more we know about Him, the greater we trust Him. Trust leads us out and away from fear, worry, and anxiety and into His arms of peace.

“And those who know your name put their trust in you.” Psalm 9:10

Below are just a few of God’s names and corresponding passages to read:

1. El Shaddai: God Almighty (Genesis 17)

This name tells us that God is all-powerful. Nothing is too hard for Him. He has proven this over and over in Scripture and in our lives. He has conquered sin and defeated our enemy. He has freed us from slavery and rescued us from shame. No matter how big the problem in our life, He is bigger still.

2. El Roi: The God who sees (Genesis 16)

This name tells us that God sees everything. He is not a distant God, watching things from afar. He sees our hurt and pain, our worries and fears. He not only sees, but He meets us where we are, enters into our pain and rescues us.

3. Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord will provide (Genesis 22, Matthew 6)

God not only sees everything that is happening in our lives, He knows just what we need. This name reminds us that God is our provider and sustainer. The name Jehovah-Jireh comes from the story of Abraham and Isaac where God provided a ram in the thicket. This event pointed to the day when God would provide His very own Son as a substitution, a payment for our sins. If He would provide His Son for us, won’t He also provide for us all our daily needs?

4. Strong Tower: (Proverbs 18:10)

Just as a strong tower keeps us safe from a storm, so too is God’s name a place of safety for us. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” When we trust Christ as our Savior, we are safe from evil and sin forever. Nothing can take away God’s love for us. Our eternal hope is firm and secure in Him.

5. Jehovah-Rohi: Our Shepherd:(Psalm 23)

Psalm 23 is a comforting passage to us. It reminds us that God is our shepherd who watches over us, guides us, protects us. Jesus is the Great Shepherd who became the Lamb of God, dying in our place. This name also tells us that He loves each one of us. Jesus told a parable about a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to seek one lost sheep (Luke 15). God has gone to great lengths to show His endless love for us.

There are so many more names of God than these five. The more we study His names and their meanings, the more we trust Him. He has proven faithful and worthy of our trust. When we are lost, wandering in our own wilderness, uncertain and afraid, we can call out to our Strong Tower, El Shaddai, Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Rohi, and El Roi and know that He hears, He sees, He provides, He cares, and He is mighty and strong to save us.

Which of God’s names have special meaning to you?

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