By Ann Spangler
People’s names in the ancient world did more than simply distinguish one person from another. They often conveyed the essential nature and character of a person. This is especially true when it comes to the names of God recorded in the Bible. The book Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide explores the primary names and titles of God in the Old Testament to reveal the deeper meanings behind them. El Shaddai, Elohim, Adonai, Abba, El Elyon—God Almighty, Mighty Creator, Lord, Father, God Most High—these are just a few of the names and titles of God that yield rich insights into his nature and character. Each day this week we’re focusing on one of the primary names or titles of God. By incorporating the divine names and titles into your own prayers—and learning about the biblical context in which the name was revealed—you’ll gain a more intimate understanding of who God is and how he can be relied on in every circumstance of your life. I pray these posts will lead you into fresh encounters with the living God.
[Read the Names of God Bible (NOG) on Bible Gateway]
Miqweh Yisrael—Hope of Israel: Promises Associated with God’s Name
A few years ago a friend of mine was diagnosed with late stage colon cancer. There was nothing that could be done for her medically. But Judy was a woman of boundless hope, who was certain God meant to heal her. She prayed and many people prayed for her. She took good care of herself and tried alternative medical approaches, hoping for a cure. She read books that increased her hope and her faith. She had a powerful will to live.
During the course of her ordeal, her faith so buoyed mine that it seemed as though she were the one encouraging me rather than the other way around. About two weeks before she died, I stopped by to see her. Judy came to the door with her mother. I held in my hand a just published copy of a book I had written and dedicated to her. It was a bittersweet moment. I can still see the two of them standing together on that sunny fall morning, mother and daughter smiling as tears coursed down their cheeks.
I cannot get their faces out of my mind. They captured for me the meaning of hope, because hope isn’t false. It doesn’t pretend away our sorrow but rises up inside it. It’s a brightness that can’t be quenched, a gift for this life that’s meant to carry us into the next.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.
(Psalm 33:18)
But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
(Isaiah 40:31)
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
(John 16:20-22)
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
(Acts 2:26-28)
Continued Prayer and Praise
Remember that no one who hopes in God will be put to shame (Psalm 25:2-5).
Wait in hope for the Lord (Psalm 33:16-22).
Hope in God’s name (Psalm 52:8-9).
Place your hope in God’s word (Psalm 119:81).
Thank God because his compassion does not fail (Lamentations 3:21-23).
Remember that hope does not disappoint us (Romans 5:1-5).
Praise God because nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:28-38).
Hope in Jesus (Titus 2:11-14, 1 Timothy 1:1).
[Read the other Bible Gateway Blog posts in this Praying the Names of God series by Ann Spangler]
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
Bio: Ann Spangler (@AnnSpangler) is an award-winning writer and the author of many bestselling books, including Less Than Perfect, Praying the Names of God, Praying the Names of Jesus, and The One Year Devotions for Women. She’s also coauthor of Women of the Bible and Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, and the general editor of the Names of God Bible. Ann’s fascination with and love of Scripture have resulted in books that have opened the Bible to a wide range of readers. She and her two daughters live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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