Day 35: Discovering God Through His Names

Biblical Principle: God Reveals Himself Through His Names

The names of God in Scripture reveal powerful truths about His character and His nature. Each name God uses gives us a deeper understanding of who He is and how He interacts with His creation. For instance, Abraham knew God as El Shaddai—the Almighty God, the One who provides. This name underscores God's provision, a reminder of His ability to meet our every need.

However, God revealed Himself to Moses in a different way. In Exodus 6:2-3, God tells Moses, "I am the LORD. And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them." Here, we see that while God had made Himself known as El Shaddai, He had not yet revealed Himself as Jehovah, the Self-Existent One, the eternal, unchanging God. Jehovah is the name that signifies God's eternal existence, His independence, and His uncreated nature.

This distinction between El Shaddai and Jehovah is significant. Abraham’s experience of God was based on His provision and His promises. But through Moses, God revealed a deeper understanding of His nature—His self-sufficiency, His everlasting existence, and His covenant faithfulness. In short, God is both the Provider and the Eternal One.

Practical Application: How Well Do You Know God?

So, how does this principle apply to our lives today? We must ask ourselves: How well do I know God? To answer that, we need to begin by understanding that God has made Himself known through His name, and each name invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.

The first step is to believe that God is. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." In other words, we must start by acknowledging God for who He is—Jehovah, the Self-Existent One, who is the foundation of everything. Once we believe that God is, we can begin to understand His nature and how He desires to reveal Himself to us.

From there, we can begin to discover His character more fully. As we seek Him, we will encounter Him as El Shaddai, the God who provides. We will see His provision in our lives—whether in our physical needs, our emotional healing, or the peace that surpasses understanding in times of trial. But as we grow in our faith, we also encounter Him as Jehovah, the Eternal One who is faithful through every season, unshaken by the passing of time or the changes in our circumstances.

To know God is to believe in His eternal nature and His ability to provide. But it also means recognizing that our relationship with Him isn’t just about what He can give us; it’s about who He is. His names reflect both His power and His intimate desire to connect with us at a personal level.

A Deliberate Pursuit of God

The Christian walk is one of intentionality. It’s not enough to know about God—we must know God. This knowing comes not just from intellectual understanding but through personal experience. God reveals Himself as we seek Him diligently, and in doing so, He promises to reward us with greater understanding and deeper relationships.

So, let us be deliberate in our pursuit of God. Take time today to reflect on the names of God—El Shaddai, Jehovah, and many others—and ask yourself: How have you experienced God in these ways? How can you continue to seek Him, not just for what He can provide, but for who He is? The more we know Him, the more we can trust Him, and the more we can reflect His glory in our lives.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has God provided for you in ways you may not have noticed before?

2. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God as Jehovah, the Self-Existent One?

3. How can you intentionally seek God today, believing He is, and reward those who seek Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your name. I acknowledge You as Jehovah, the Self-Existent One, and El Shaddai, the God who provides. Help me to seek You more intentionally, to know You more deeply, and to trust You in every circumstance. May my life reflect Your character and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Let today be the day you intentionally deepen your relationship with God. Seek Him in prayer, His Word, and the quiet moments of your day. You’ll experience His presence in new and profound ways as you do.