Friday, March 5, 2021

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” —Proverbs 18:10

In early adolescence, I went through my first serious battle with doubt. As I became overwhelmed with unforeseen questions about my faith in God, I found I was losing hold of how to pray. My mom, always wise and understanding, guided me: when you don’t know what words to say, speak the name of Jesus. 

Well past early adolescence, I still struggle frequently to articulate my prayers. I still need this wisdom. The name of our Lord is always the most powerful word we can utter. It is the most significant word we can pray. That’s not to say it’s some kind of magic wand we can aim thoughtlessly at our problems. But our power comes from calling upon our God who is omnipotent, who knows our needs and hopes better than we do, who knows the words we need when we do not. Praying Jesus’ name is a powerful act, even when we feel powerless.

I love the song “There Is Power in the Name of Jesus.” In its simplicity and repetition, it hammers home the truth I need to remember: There is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.

Today’s straightforward verse from Proverbs, these liberating lyrics, and my mother’s sage advice each remind me of where true strength comes from. Speaking the name of Jesus gives us courage, it gives us refuge, it grounds us, it empowers us, and it guides us. Speaking the name of Jesus reminds us where to fix our gaze when we feel drawn off course. May we never take lightly the name of Jesus, but always speak it with reverence, gratitude, and trust.