Friday, September 22, 2006 · no responses · comments closed

In his devotional for today, Oswald Chambers writes about Jesus as “master” and “teacher.” That got me thinking about the song “Made Me Glad,” from a Hillsong album several years ago. This song has been one of my favorites since first hearing it, and it’s one I often turn to when I feel the need for encouragement.

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock

I will not be moved
I’ll say of the Lord….

You are my shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Here’s what I love about this song: the names of God. Look at what Scripture tell us about the names of God:

And those who know Your name put their trust in You,
for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10)

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! (Psalm 20:1)

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright. (Psalm 20:7–8)

O God, save me, by Your name,
and vindicate me by Your might. (Psalm 54:1)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

This song is powerful because it declares the names of God; it praises God for who He is. David says,

I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)

Jesus prays in John 17, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name” (NIV). Joel tells us that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (2:32). We’re used to thinking about this in regard to salvation, because Peter quotes Joel in Acts 2, and Paul quotes him in Romans 10. I would suggest that this saving is more than just the salvation from sins that brings us into the kingdom; David shows us that calling on the name of God was a regular part of his prayer life. And Asaph tells us that God says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15).

Do you need saving from something? Maybe its a bad situation, negative thoughts and emotions, or fear. Whatever it is, call upon the name of the Lord. Run into the strong tower of His name, trust His name, and find peace.