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Excerpts

Day 1

Welcome God by Name

Those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, O L ord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

Psalm 9:10

What's in a name? Plenty! We greet one another by name. We introduce people by name. We offer our own names to others when we want to strike up a connection or initiate a conversation. Let's face it. Names matter.

When we read through the Scriptures, we run across whole lists of names. I often wondered why -- it makes for rough reading. But God is meticulous about His records and keeping track of names. Names are important to Him. Your name is important to Him.

In Bible times names were significant. They had meaning and were given for a purpose such as a declaration of the parents' desire for a child or as an expression of the parents' convictions or as recognition of divine assistance.

God's names, and there are many, reveal His character. In His Word, God introduces Himself to us through many names: Mighty Creator, Everlasting God, Prince of Peace, Good Shepherd, Refuge, and the list goes on. As we come to know His names, we find it easier to put our trust in Him. How can we not trust the One who is the mighty creator, the one who wants the very best for those He made? And what great confidence we can have in One who is everlasting, for though this world and everything in it is temporary, He will never fade away. When we know His names, His character, we want more of Him. We seek Him out. We discover Him.

Did you know that we are told He will not forsake those who seek Him and that while we are seeking, He does not hide? He says, "I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me will find me" (Proverbs 8.17) He invites us to actively seek Him out. As we do, we will find that we, too, are being sought by the very One we need the most. He will not forsake us -- ever.

Take a moment to focus on one of God's names, The God Who Sees Me. I love that name! Imagine throwing open the door of your heart and locking eyes with the God who made you and loves you! His loving gaze looks deeply into who you are and loves you unconditionally. How does that truth speak into your situation today? Anticipate your growing trust in God as you discover His true identity.

Heavenly Father, Thank You that Your names enable me to know Your character and how You relate to me. I confess that I don't seek You as I should, but on this day, Lord, I seek You out and long to know You more fully. I am grateful that You know my name and seek me out. You will never forsake me. Thank You. Amen.

© 2009 Ruth Graham