God Knows My Name
Look, I have inscribed your name on My palms; your walls are constantly before Me. Isaiah 49:16
Before I was born God knew me
As He formed me in the womb;
Created to love and be loved
As a fragrance of sweet perfume.
On the day I was born He wrote my name
On the palms of His hands.
A testament of His constant watch,
Ever before Him my name stands.
People have come and gone in my life,
And some names have been forgotten;
But God will never forget my name
Because I've mattered to Him since begotten.
He places walls of protection around me,
Keeping me safe in His care;
My well-being is precious to Him-
He even knows the numbers of my hair!
As God has etched my name on His hands,
I've tattooed His name on my heart;
I will love Him forever and beyond
We'll never be apart!
I recently became a grandmother for the second time! As we awaited the birth of our second grandson, his parents contemplated on a name. It is our first identity when we enter the world, stays with us throughout our lives, and is remembered long after we are gone. Names are often passed on through generations in honor of loved ones. Names have meaning both literally and figuratively. Parents choose their child’s name based on what it means, it reminds them of someone or something, they like how it sounds, among other reasons. The name your parents chose for you had significance. Because you mattered to them, so did your name. You matter to God, too. As you were being formed, He watched over you, waiting to etch your name on His hands. (Look, I have inscribed your name on My palms; your walls are constantly before Me. Isaiah 49:16)
Doesn’t it feel good when someone calls you by name? Whatever the situation, it brings comfort that this person remembers you. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that names often escape me if I haven’t seen someone for a long time. I rarely forget a face, but remember their name? Not always. As a teacher, this happens a lot. An adult would walk into my classroom, or now, see me out in the world and say, “Hi, Mrs. Luchtel, do you remember me?” Most of the time I do recognize them, but I cannot recall their name. I can remember where they sat in class or a tidbit about them, but just can’t place their name. Case in point: A former student came into my classroom many years later and asked that question. I told him of course I remember him but just not his name. He looked at me, skeptical, so I said, “You always told me a joke after school during traffic circle.” His face lit up! “You do remember me!” It felt good to him that I knew him despite my forgetfulness of his name. The good news is, that scenario will never happen with God. He knows everything about you, including your name. He loves you so much, He knows even the smallest details of your life. (O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. Psalms 139:1,2) Even if you stray, He will never forget you. (For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 ) You are His always and forever.
Because you matter so much to God, He watches over you. In every circumstance, He is right beside you, walking with you through the triumphs and storms of life. (Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10) Because you belong to Him, you can rest assured He is never going to leave you. (But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the One who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1)
Yes, your name was etched on God’s hands when you were born. He loved you from the start and always will. Then, when you were born again, choosing Him as your Lord and Savior, you etched His name on your heart! The connection is complete. (I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 6:3) He knows your name, and you know His. Adonai (Master), El Roi (The God who sees me), El Shaddai (God Almighty), Jehovah Jireh (Our Provider), Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer), Jehovah Shalom (Our Peace), Immanuel (God with us). You can call Him any time, for any need, and He will be there.
Dear Abba Father, it is comforting that you know my name, and even more, you know everything about me, and love me unconditionally! I am grateful that I am Yours and can call on Your name in times of celebration and times of trials. Thank you, El Roi! Amen