by Hallie Gipson
As I continue with the Names and
Attributes of God, it seems fitting to re-visit the purpose behind what could
be called an ‘exercise’ by some. But it has been so much more to me!! Although
I don’t use these every day, I often return to them when I struggle with focus
or worship in my quiet time. There is that indescribable ‘thing’ that happens
when we open God’s Word and begin to read and meditate on who God is --- the
Who of God. As I meditate on a name or attribute and look up the Scripture that
is the source of what we know to be true about God, I am drawn into God’s
Presence and reminded that He is Who He says He is!! Isn’t God’s Word
amazing?!?!
Two of the words I have listed
today are adjectives. As Webster defines an adjective it is: used to note the
quality of what is named; describes a noun or pronoun; or specifies a thing as
distinct from something else. So when we say that God is Great, we are using it to note the quality of God and to give
definition to God’s love, wrath, promises, salvation, power, glory, and
faithfulness. Also, when we say God is Gracious,
again we are using it to describe a quality of God.
So let’s go to the ‘source’ as we
focus on God!
GREAT
Deuteronomy 10:17 “For
the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and
awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.”
2 Samuel 7:22 “How
great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God
but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”
Psalm 145:3 “Great
is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.”
Daniel 9:4 “I (Daniel)
prayed to the Lord my God and confessed
and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and
lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
GUARD
Isaiah 52:12 “But
you will not leave in haste or go in flight, for the Lord will go before you,
the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
GUARDIAN
1 Peter 2:25 “For
you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd
and Guardian of your souls.”
GUIDE
Psalm 23:3 “He
restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Psalm 48:14 “For
this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”
John 16:13 “But
when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for
He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;
and He will disclose to you what is to come.”
GRACIOUS
Exodus 34:6 “Then
the Lord passed by in front of him (Moses) and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.”
Psalm 145:8 “The
Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.”
Nehemiah 9:17 “But
You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and
abounding in lovingkindness.”
Nehemiah 9:31 “Nevertheless,
in Your great compassion You did not make an end of them or forsake them, For
You are a gracious and compassionate God.”
I hope this ‘exercise’ will
lead you to do your own search through the Word and to expand on what has been
started here. You might even be inspired to come up with your own list of God's names and attributes and use them to praise God for who He has been to you.
Father, I thank You that You show us
Who You are through the indescribable blessing of your Word! All praise and
glory belong to You!!
