«The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.» –
Proverbs 18:10, ESV
I started teaching a study on the names of God in January. Ten weeks later, our last night of meeting together was the very last thing our church did before being shut down because of COVID-19. As the days turned into months and life became very different, I was drawn to pray those names we had studied. I cried out to God for His provision and sustenance.
I cried out to Him as El Elyon, the God Most High. This name tells us He is the sovereign ruler over all the universe. Nothing is greater than El Elyon—not even COVID-19. Nothing is out of His control—not even social distancing and closures. He is God Most High; life and death, sickness and health are in His hands. Knowing that He is the Sovereign Lord brings peace and comfort during trying and fearful days.
While I could not work, my husband continued working, so our finances were not greatly affected. But many could not work, and many were unsure of how they would pay their bills. There were also concerns about the availability of food and supplies. I cried out to Jehovah-Jireh, for He is the Lord who Provides. The word ‘jireh’ literally means to see. When we have a need, the Lord will see to it that it is met. He sees our every need and He will give to us according to what is good in His sight. He will not leave us lacking. Store shelves are empty, resources are not there, food pantries are running low, businesses must close. We need God’s provision. We need His sustenance. We need to trust Jehovah-Jireh to meet our needs.
My parents have not been able to leave their building for so many months, and there is no end in sight. During these months of social distancing, self-quarantines, and forced isolation, I felt cut off and alone. But then I remembered this: God is the Lord who is there, He is Jehovah-Shammah. We are not alone, even if we are cut off from family and friends; Jehovah-Shammah is there with us. He is sitting in our houses with us. He is there with the parents we cannot visit. He is there with us in isolation. He is there amid uncertainty. We can be comforted with the knowledge of His presence. He will never leave us nor forsake us. When we feel alone, when we feel helpless, when we feel fear—He is Jehovah-Shammah. The future is uncertain, and we don’t know how long this will last, but God is already there and will be there with us as we go through each day.
Cling to God and cry out to Him during these unprecedented days. He is sovereign, He provides, and He is there. Don’t let fear and uncertainty rob you of what you know to be true.