Drawing Strength from the Names of God by Catherine Martin (Harvest House, 2010) is a gift book enhanced with beautiful photography. Martin shares eleven names of God and how we can draw strength from His character. Just under fifty pages, the book can be read in one sitting, or you could read one or two names of God at a time and meditate on them.
Each four-page spread begins with a photo of a majestic nature scene and a verse followed by encouraging thoughts about that name of God. The next two pages cover ways to draw near to God and to delight in Him as you reflect on His name. The text is written in two side-by-side columns, with two-thirds of the page used to share thoughts and one-third of it filled with corresponding Scriptures. Each section ends with a prayer.
Martin begins at the beginning with Elohim, God our Creator. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). We can draw strength from God our Creator, knowing He has a purpose for our lives and created us for His glory. Other names of God include El Elyon, He is our Sovereign; Adonai, He is our Lord; and El Shaddai, He is enough for us. Although all the names of God reveal wonderful aspects of His character and strength, I especially appreciated reading about Yahweh Jireh, our faithful Provider; Yahweh Rophe, our compassionate Healer; and Yahweh Ro’i, our good Shepherd.
No matter what our need, we can come to Yahweh, He is everything we need; or El Shaddai, who is enough for us. We can bring our worries to Yahweh Shalom, who gives us peace; and it’s comforting to know El Ro’i sees us. Martin ends with Abba, Father, which shows God’s tender affection for us.
Reflecting on these names helped me know God better and encouraged me to draw near to Him in prayer. No matter what we face, we can draw strength from God and find meaning for each day by reflecting on His names.
Written with warmth, compassion, and reverence toward God, this book offers comfort and reassurance. It’s a book to reread in a quiet moment or use during your devotional time. It also makes an encouraging book to give friends to remind them God always cares, and they can draw near to Him during any season of life.
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Drawing Strength from the Names of God |
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
