PRAYING the Names of God

A friend of mine was recently served with divorce papers. This is devastating to her and her small

child.  Where does she go for refuge? As recorded in the Psalms one thing David did was he prayed the Names of God. Here are only a few scattered throughout the Psalms: Dwelling place, fortress, shield, refuge, strong tower. When my friend hits a trouble spot in her life she always goes to God first. We discussed this week how praying the names of God invokes the God who has promised to watch over her and keep her safe.  

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2))

Over and over the promise is made—not just that God will provide a refuge but that he will be a refuge.   The problem is that we forget to run to him. The psalmist encourages us to align our lives with God’s values and yield to his Spirit and trust him to work things out for good even when life seems to be completely going the wrong way.

Take a couple moments to reflect on your life and what you are going through. What has kept you from experiencing God as your fortress? Do you feel like your situation is impossible? Do you simply always rely on yourself? Have you dug a whole so deep you feel nothing can help? Are you angry at God for letting you down? Have you been looking for shelter elsewhere? Tell God today that you are ready to grasp, not just the idea of his faithfulness, but the experience of it. Run to him and you will find shelter.

Promises in Scripture

·   Strong Tower
Remember that God is a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:3)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

·   Shield
Be confident because God is your shield and great reward. (Genesis 15:1)
Remember that God is a shield and helper against enemies. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
Call on the Lord, who is your strength and your shield. (Psalm 28:7)

·   Dwelling Place
Express your longing to dwell with God. (Psalm 27:4-5)
Envision God as your dwelling place. (Psalm 90:1-2)

·   Refuge
Remember that God cares for those who trust him. (Nahum 1:7)
Believe that the Lord is an ever-present help. (Psalm 46:1)
Know that the eternal God is our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Find rest in God. (Psalm 62:5-7)

·   Fortress
Proclaim that the Lord is your fortress and deliverer. (2 Samuel 22:1-3)
Refuse to give in to fear because God is your fortress. (Psalm 46:2-7)
Let your soul find rest in God. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Most High God my Strong Tower, Shield my friend and make a Fortress around her. Be her Refuge and Dwelling place as she goes through this very tough time in her life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Terry Smith
Stephenville, TX.