Have you noticed that every time we hear a name, we make an association with it in our minds? It’s amazing how our minds are wired, operating more like mini fireworks: hearing a single word and then exploding into a load of associations. A name without an associated emotion attached to it, or experience with, is harder for our brains to retain. But it holds great power when the emotion attached to it is from a place of pure love.
Throughout Scripture we see evidence that God considers names to be notable and hold significant value. He even considered it important to “determine the number of stars and calls them each by name.” (Psalm 147:4)
God gives names to His creation. That which He sees as good. That which He loves. And He graciously reminds us of these names in the midst of us clinging to the negative ones we give ourselves, or the ones others have given us and we believe them blindly. The names God gives us are intrinsic and indispensable, and they don’t diminish or fade. These names call out purpose and character of His dearly beloved.
Here are a few names that bring me joy, comfort, and security:
Child
“Whoever believed He was who He claimed and would do what He said,
He made to be their true selves, their child-of God selves. These are the God-begotten,
Not blood begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.” – John 1:12-13 (MSG)
Friend
Jesus said, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15 (NIV)
Masterpiece
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Ambassador
“We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Chosen
“He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 1:4-5
God calls us by name.
It’s not just what’s in a name that’s important but Who is giving us that name that should draw us to pay more attention. As our Creator, we should cling to His words above all others, making our ears attuned to the names that He calls us.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
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