The Multi-faceted Diamond

This summer, we have explored many names of the One True God. Today I would like to wrap up this series by reviewing each name of God and how perfectly they minister to the grieving heart. If your life has been turned upside down by a tragic loss, then let the words of this column sink in and comfort your soul.

The Great I Am is the Being who was there in the beginning, is here right now, and will be there in the future. He has been with you every minute of your life, every minute of your happiness and every minute of your pain. He is unchangeable. He is dependable. The Great I Am has promised that weeping may remain for the night but joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). He is close to you in your time of broken heartedness and will save you when your spirit is crushed (Psalm 34:18).

Jehovah-Jireh means the LORD Will Provide. It is the very character of God to provide for His children. Dear one, this means you. He is your Heavenly Father who never takes His eyes off you and delights in providing for your needs. Jehovah-Jireh leads you beside the still waters and restores your soul in your darkest hour. In the valley of the shadow of death, He provides you with goodness and mercy (Psalm 23).

Jehovah-Rophe is the Lord Who Heals you. If you have experienced the loss of someone your love dearly, you are in desperate need of healing. Jehovah-Rophe has promised to restore your health and heal your wounds (Jeremiah 30:17). Your eyes may be growing weak from weeping and the pain may go all the way down to your bones; but Jehovah-Rophe has heard your cries (see Psalm 6:2). Look to the Lord Who Heals. He's waiting to hear from you.

Jehovah-Nissi is the LORD Your Banner of hope. Look up and see the flag of love and strength your Father is flying over you. Let this be a rallying point for you as you fight a spiritual battle against depression and despair. As you unfurl your banner of hope which is Jehovah-Nissi, His unfailing love will rest on you (Psalm 33:22). Know that there is a future hope for you which will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18).

Jehovah-Rohi means the LORD is my Shepherd. As the Shepherd of your heart and soul, God is constantly looking out for you. He will tend to your wounds, protect you, and provide for you. Jehovah-Rohi calms your fears by speaking gently to you and gives you shelter in life's storms. Never forget that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for you (John 10:11).

Jehovah-Shammah means the LORD Is There. The same God who created the universe created you and is wrapping you in a blanket of love right now. He is there with you. If you look ahead of you, He is there. If you look behind you, Jehovah-Shammah is there too. He knows when you leave and when you get back. You are never out of His sight. If you climb up to the top of a  mountain, He is there. If you go underground, He is there. He even sees you in the dark (Psalm 139).

Jehovah-Sabbaoth is the LORD of Hosts. He is the mighty commander of the greatest army of all - the Army of Heaven. Right now the Almighty is in charge of angels who are fighting a spiritual battle on your behalf. You don't have to fight your own battle of loneliness and pain, the battle is the LORD's. This is not just any warrior we're talking about. This is Jehovah-Sabbaoth , the LORD of Hosts, the Almighty God. He is the One you've been waiting for. Be glad and rejoice in His salvation (Isaiah 25:9).

Jehovah-Shalom is the LORD our Peace. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful because He desires to give you the kind of peace that the world can never understand (John 14:27). The Jehovah-Shalom incarnate came to overcome the world with all it's tribulations and loss. He came to the world so that you may have peace (John 16:33).

Think of the names of God as facets of a diamond, each one reflecting a different character trait of God. The diamond is yours. Put it in a beautiful ring and wear it prominently so you will never forget who loves you.

Journaling Ideas

1. Read Psalm 103:1. What does this verse mean to you in light of your journey of grief?

2. Make a list of words that describe your feelings right now.

3. What is the worst thing that has happened to you this week?

4. What has been an unexpected blessing from God this week?

5.  Read Isaiah 58:8 and personalize it.

Your Grieving Toolbox

Today's tool is oral reading. Take today's article and read it out loud substituting your name anytime you see the word "you". For example, instead of "...the Great I AM has been with you every minute of your life...", personalize it with your name and say..."the Great I AM has been with me, Cathey, every minute of my life..." Remember to say it out loud so you can hear yourself say it. There is great power in the spoken word. 

Treasured child of God, I pray that the Spirit of the Lord God will be upon you. May you preach of the liberty of your Father who has set you free from the captivity of pain and grief. (based on Isaiah 61:1) Amen