One of the {countless} things my momma taught me while growing up is that if I’m in a situation where I just can’t find any other words then I should simply speak His name. Because there is power in the blessed name of Jesus.
One of my strongest memories that relates to this is back when I was around first or second grade and Momma was driving my siblings and I to school. It was winter so the roads weren’t all that lovely on this particular day. I don’t know if we started sliding while trying to stop for the traffic light or if another vehicle wasn’t seeming able to stop, but I remember clearly hearing her suddenly and loudly say, “Oh my God!” Whatever the issue was, nothing happened to us on that morning, we were all fine. I grew up learning the 10 commandments though so after we were through the light Little Me chastised Momma for taking the Lord’s name in vain. I remember her explaining something to me in that moment that continues to impact my life. Within her explanation she told me, “Sometimes, Andi, His name is all you have to say.”
*Photo found on Pinterest
I love 7eventh Time Down’s song, “Just say Jesus”. It’s resonated within my heart since the first time I heard it and goes right along with what Momma taught me on that day all those years ago. The chorus says:
“When you don’t know what to say,
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name,
The name of Jesus
If the words won’t come
‘Cause you’re too afraid to pray
Just say Jesus”
When the panic attacks come and I struggle to find reasonable thinking again,
I chant the powerful name of Jesus.
When my heart was broken and I didn’t understand what was happening,
I clung to the precious name of Jesus.
When I look into the future and it all just seems too scary and overwhelming,
I find peace in the name of Jesus.
When I step outside my comfort zone and the nerves threaten to make me pass out,
I remember the Life-giving name of Jesus.
When life is so beautiful and my heart overflows with thanksgiving and I’m too overwhelmed by His goodness to speak, I smile and whisper that beautiful name, Jesus.
In those moments when I simply have no words to express how I’m feeling, in those times when I don’t even understand how I’m feeling, there is one word I can speak that surpasses all others. Jesus.
Last night, my husband and I went with some others to see Danny Gokey in concert. [Side note: if you’ve never seen him but love his music, he’s awesome live so if you have a chance to see him, take it!] It wasn’t a huge venue, so we got to be fairly close to the action. He had the crowd dancing and singing along with some of his biggest hits and then he slowed things down and lead us in a couple worship songs.
At one point, he had the whole group of us singing the chorus of, “How great is our God” over and over. And like a lightening bolt piercing my heart, one line struck me. I’ve sung this song multiple times, but it was only last night that it affected me in this way.
*Photo found on Pinerest
“He’s the Name above all names”
I sang that line and I was filled with Hope, because the Truth in that line was something I needed to remember. I tend to be really literal so my mind always recognized that line as His name being greater than people’s names. As if we’re singing that the name Jesus is greater than the names Andrea, Juan, Felicity, Mason, etc. I only ever made that type of connection, but last night another chord was struck inside of me.
Before I tell you what Truth God gave me, let me give you a brief explanation of what lead up to it. My primary doctor referred me to a specialist this past week to see about having an upper endoscopy done (a scope down my throat.) During the appointment, this particular specialist just kept referring to my illness as IBS, which was quite frustrating because the IBS specialist that I’ve seen says that’s not what my illness is but… anywho. That appointment was Thursday afternoon and the concert was Friday evening, so it was all fresh in my mind.
While I stood in that crowd and sang about how great my God is, Truth pierced through me and brought Hope with it. A connection was made in my brain that travelled and settled into my spirit - His name is not merely greater than humanity’s names, His name is greater than every name. The “names” we’ve placed on things, the titles we’ve bestowed - His name is above them all. As I sang that line about His name being above all others, I heard softly spoken to my heart…”My name is greater than IBS.”
Whoosh.
Peace. Hope. Joy. Strength. In that moment, it’s like I was immersed in them. Surrounded by a crowd of people, my Abba pursued me to give me comfort. He knew exactly what I needed to hear, even though I myself was unaware. I was dreading having to try another medication soon, but it wasn’t really on my mind during the concert. My body was screaming at me with pain, but I was doing my best to ignore it and enjoy the time with some of my favorite people. I wasn’t actively seeking reassurance in those moments, but that didn’t stop Him from sending it. And that right there just makes me want to shout to the world how great my God is!
*Photo found on Pinterest
Dear Friends, maybe you’re in need of Hope too. Maybe you’re facing something in life and you’re craving a moment of Peace. Maybe you’re in a season of rocky terrain and you just need to be reassured that He’s still in control. Oh, Dear One, if that’s you I implore you to just take a moment and let this Truth seep into your very being - He’s the Name above all names.
Cancer < Jesus
Depression < Jesus
Anorexia < Jesus
Anorexia < Jesus
Fear < Jesus
Divorce < Jesus
Arthritis < Jesus
Disease < Jesus
Bulimia < Jesus
Bulimia < Jesus
Addiction < Jesus
Bipolar < Jesus
Self-harm < Jesus
Self-harm < Jesus
MS < Jesus
Tumor < Jesus
Anxiety < Jesus
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. His name is greater than every other name. His name holds more power than any other name. List them all out, His will be at the top every time. There are none that even match His. No other name even comes close to His precious and powerful name.
In His name, chains are broken. In His name, bondage is destroyed. In His name, captives are set free. In His name, lies are obliterated. In His name, darkness trembles. In His name, the enemy cowers and flees.
In His name, sins are forgiven. In His name, sinners become saints. In His name, we are redeemed. In His name, we are overcomers. In His name, we are victorious. In His name, we are flawless. In His name… In His name… In His name.
Jesus. There is power in that beautifully sweet name.
*Photo found on Pinterest
Look into your moment, Friend, face whatever challenge is on your doorstep, and simply speak His name. Jesus. Whether you can say it bold and loud or your voice quivers in weakness from the fight - the power isn’t in how you say it, the power is in the name you are saying.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus!
Whisper it. Shout it. Sing it. Speak it.
It doesn’t matter how you proclaim the name of Jesus, it only matters that you do.
“One name, one name can save
One name breaks every chain
One name, always
One name, Jesus
One name, one name remains
One name, we will proclaim
One name, always
One name”
{“There is Power” by Lincoln Brewster}
*Do you have a personal testimony of a time that speaking His name made things happen in your life? Maybe you saw someone healed or found peace amidst panic? If so, I would love to hear your story :)
