Knowing God: A Journey Through His Names

And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Ps 9:10 NIV.

The Tuesday Sister to Sister Disciples will spend at least 52 weeks learning the names of God. I know, on the surface, this looks like an insurmountable mission, but it’s more than doable.

We will come to know God by name, and that is something very intimate.

Can you define God?

So, to prepare for our class, I got my hard copy dictionary out and look up the definition of God, and this is what I found:

God: the supreme ultimate Reality. The Being, perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness, whom humankind worships as Creator and Ruler of the Universe.

This definition attempts to define God but ultimately falls short. There’s so much more to know about who God is.

The purpose of knowing God is more than coming up with an accurate definition or description; it is to know God intimately. This study of the names of God will change you because you’re on the journey to the heart of God.

Who is the one true God?

I decided to use AI and ask, “Who is the One True God?” AI could not compute. I asked again in another way, “Who do you think is the one true God?” Again, no answer. But when I asked about the concept of God, AI was all over it. AI gave me definitions for God or concepts of God for numerous religions, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, etc.

Only a creature created by the One True God could come up with the answer.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD with all your soul and with all your might. Deut 6:4-5 ESV.

Sacred Scripture Reveals the Character and Nature of God.

Sacred Scripture is God’s Word. It’s a gift from God meant to reveal what is ultimately unknowable. If God is a God of His word, then in Scripture we will discover His character, ways, and will as we engage in it.

You see, Scripture is the only “book” where the Author is present when you read it.

The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches us as He opens Scripture to our minds and hearts. Knowing someone by name is intimate, more than strangers, and trustworthy. If we’re ever going to grow spiritually, we need to grow closer and closer to God.

Why does God have so many names? It’s a complex concept for our mere minds to comprehend. But each name reveals something new and wonderful about God that we need to know.

God Wants to be Seen, Heard, and Known

Even though Moses stood on holy ground near the burning bush, he asked God, “Who are You?” God’s response is perfect. “I AM.” (Ex 3:13-14). And when the Jews asked Jesus who he thought he was, Jesus responded with, “I can guarantee this truth: Before Abraham was ever born, I am.” (John 8:58). God’s name “I AM” is Yahweh. Jesus’ name is Yahweh saves.

Names make a difference in our understanding and increase our faith. The more you know Him by name, the more you will know Him intimately.

The benefits of knowing God:

• Strengthens our faith.
• Encourages worship
• Cultivates an intimate relationship.

Prepare to Meet God

Prepare to meet your God. Amos 4:12b.

As we continue to learn the names of God, we will come closer to meeting Him rightly. We will enter the Secret Place in reverence, read the Word with awe, and pray our prayers effectively. We will see God for who He is.

We will change, but He will remain changeless.

He is here: The One who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man—the One who makes the dawn out of darkness and strides on the heights of the earth. The LORD, the God of Armies, is His name. Amos 4:13.

In conclusion:

So let’s go, sisters. Let’s be prepared to meet the Lord and know Him by name.