The Names of GodSample

Today we are going to look at a unique Name that God uses to reveal Himself in the Scriptures to His people. The Names of God are often given depending on His role and character. Sometimes the Hebrew word would have the function or the description of that word that would work as the title by which we call upon the Lord. Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals, the Lord is my strength, the Lord is my refuge. God gives Himself this title. Exodus 15:26 says, “… for I am the Lord who heals you.” God is able to and is willing to heal you. Isn’t that so reassuring for us? He is not only willing, but He has the power to heal. That is what the Lord declares about Himself.

That is the assurance we have that we can call on the Name of the Lord in our physical ailments and sickness. As the psalmist reminds us that God will strengthen him on his bed of illness (Psalm 41:3). There is also a restoration or renewal of the mind and spiritual health of a person. Psalm 23 reminds us of how God as a loving Shepherd restores our soul. There is a wholeness, completion, or perfection that God brings us back to. There are many types of brokenness that we face in our lives, sometimes God instantly restores or heals, but at times it is a process that He is leading us through. Sometimes that may be our own doing or God allowing the consequences of our actions to take place, the assurance we have is that if we return to Him or call on His Name, He will bind up our wounds as He promises in Hosea. No matter the situation, whether physical, psychological, or spiritual, God can restore it. Psalm 147 is a dear verse to me that reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted. God knows that we are emotional beings and we need restoration, healing, and reconciliation in all areas of our lives.

We see this same theme carry into the New Testament, as well with Jesus promising His disciples that He gives us peace not like the world gives. He doesn’t just take away the fear but replaces that with peace. He overpowers what was scaring us or causing anxiety or worry.

Reflect

Ponder on the beautiful promise in Jeremiah 33:6, “ Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security."

At times when we are unable to go to God, He promises to come to us, to restore us, to heal us. There are times in our lives when we are so broken, that we are unable to go to God, but in those times we see God take the first step towards us. When we are unable to go to Him, He comes to us, to restore and heal us. Rest in that amazing assurance that we can call on the Name of God and He is not only willing, but able to heal us and restore us.

Take a few moments to ponder on this aspect of God. This is a title He declares for Himself.

Prayer

Our Father, we thank You that as a loving Shepherd You care for us, that even when we’re unable to come to You, You come to us and heal us, Lord. We thank You that You deliver us out of our brokenness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.