THE GREAT I AM

“Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10, NIV)

I keep a little plaque beside my bed that has sixteen Hebrew names of God written on it, with their English translations.  Whenever I am tempted to doubt God, I look at this plaque and all the names that are written there.  Why am I able to trust God completely?  His names reflect His character, and His character never fails.  He never changes.  That’s why His promises are always sure.  They are “Yes” in Christ, and “Amen” in Him to the glory of God (II Corinthians 1:20).

The first name of God I see written there is Yahweh or “Lord (Jehovah)”.  When hand copying the original Old Testament manuscripts centuries ago, monks would wash their hands and use a special “holy pen” for writing this word, Yahweh.  They wrote it with great reverence, respect, awe and fear of God and how great He is.  Sadly, our society today has lost much of this reverence for God and His Word, and we need revival desperately in our nation and churches.

Other names on my plaque include El Elyon “The Most High God”; El Shaddai “The All-Sufficient One”; El Olam “The Everlasting God”; and Adonai or “Lord, Master”.  Also listed are Jehovah-jireh “The Lord will provide”; Jehovah-rapha “The Lord that healeth” and Jehovah-shalom “The Lord is peace”.  Just hearing these names, as I say them out loud, often gives me peace.

In the Old Testament, God often identified Himself as “I Am”.  In Exodus 3:13-14, “Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, ‘What is His name?  Then what shall I tell them?”  “God said to Moses, “I Am who I Am.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites:  ‘I Am’ has sent me to you.”  In other words, Moses was asking God, “Who are You?”  He anticipated that others would want to know also. 

The next time you are tempted to doubt God, remember who He is and meditate on His character.  He is the Great I Am and His promises are sure in Jesus Christ.  Just as He kept His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:6), so, too, Jehovah-jireh will take care of us as His children.  He is a completely trustworthy God!  Never be afraid to trust in Him.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You are completely trustworthy and Your character never fails.  You are the All-Sufficient God.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.