Our prayers usually begin with something like,“Dear God,” or Heavenly Father,” and end with “in Jesus’ name.” We don’t typically think about God having names, and even if we do, we often don’t know or understand them.

But, throughout Scripture, various names attributed to God provide us with profound insight into His character. Through these names, we not only gain a better understanding of who God is, but they also bring us comfort and assurance that God is the God who meets our every need in special and unique ways.

Consider these names attributed to God and apply them to yourself and whatever situations in which you find yourself:

• Elohim - God, the almighty Creator. There is not one atom or one galaxy that does not have God’s created handprint on it, including you.

• El Shaddai  - God Almighty. There is nothing in the universe that can match the power of God, and when you consider that His love drives His power, fear evaporates in His presence.

• El Roi - the God who sees me. God didn’t just set the world in motion and decided to sit back on his throne and see what would happen. He created you. He intimately knows you. He loves you with an everlasting love and a unique, personal plan for you.

• Jehovah Jireh - God, my provider. Jesus told us that God knows everything we need and promises to provide. From mana in the desert to the miraculous feeding of thousands of people gathered to hear Jesus preach, God meets our needs, physical and spiritual.

• Jehovah Shalom - God is my peace. More than anything, people crave peace of mind like a thirst in the desert of life. Jehovah Shalom gives us peace in the midst of chaos.

• Jehovah Shammah - God is there. Can you imagine going through daily life wondering of God was with you or heard you. But God promises his constant presence and companionship, regardless of our circumstances.

• Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord, our righteousness. There is nothing more important than the Lord taking on our sin so that we can take on His righteousness. It’s unfathomable that God took on the burden of our sin, so that in Christ, we can be righteous in His sight.

The list goes on…. But here’s the point. When we understand the names and attributes given to God, we begin to understand that God is everything to us. God doesn’t stand on the sidelines of our lives barking orders when we fail. Instead, God is integral to every aspect of who we are, what we need, and how we live.

So, when you hear the question, “What’s in a name?” when it comes to God, the answer is everything!