Finding Strength in God’s Name: My Safe Place in Life’s Storms

A Might Tower!

Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes, can’t it? Bills pile up, worries creep in, and some days it’s like the world is pressing down so hard I want to shout, “I can’t do this!” Those moments make me feel like I’m stuck in a storm, with no umbrella and nowhere to hide.

But there’s this verse in the Bible that’s been like a warm blanket on a cold day:

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

The Holy Spirit keeps pulling me back to this verse, exciting me to think about how God's name—His incredible character and mighty power—acts as a refuge I can rely on, no matter the challenges I encounter. Let me share what I'm uncovering through simple yet captivating illustrations and stories!

The Storms That Hit Us

Life throws a lot at us, doesn’t it? It’s like standing in a field with all kinds of forces trying to knock us down. First, there’s Satan, who the Bible says prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He’s like a bully on the playground, whispering lies to make us doubt or fear.

I think of Job, who faced tough tests when God pointed him out, saying, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (Job 1:8). Satan challenged Job’s faith, bringing pain and loss, and sometimes I feel like that too—like when I got bad news about a job or a loved one’s health.

Then there’s the world we live in. It’s full of disappointments, like when a friend lets you down. The Bible talks about a friend who “ate my bread” but turned against me (Psalm 41:9). That’s like planning a big picnic, only for your best friend to ditch you at the last minute. Alone, these things can feel heavy. Together? They can feel like a tidal wave ready to sweep us away.

Picture yourself on a boat in a stormy sea. Waves are crashing, and sharks are circling. That’s what Satan and life’s challenges are like—big, scary forces trying to sink you. But there’s a lighthouse nearby, strong and steady. That’s God’s name, and it’s where we can find safety.

God’s Name: The Strong Tower

The verse calls God’s name a “strong tower.” In Bible times, a tower was a safe place where people ran when enemies attacked. God’s name—specifically “Jehovah”—is like that tower. It’s not just a word; it’s who God is. In the Bible, Jehovah is written as JHVH, four letters that Jews treated with so much respect they wouldn’t even say it out loud.

They’d pause when reading it, like it was too holy to speak. It’s never paired with words like “my Jehovah” or “living Jehovah” because it stands alone, meaning “the becoming one.” That’s a fancy way of saying God is everything we need, whenever we need it.

Imagine you’re in a new town, scared and lost. You find a building with a sign that says “Safe Haven.” You don’t need to know every detail about the building—you just know it’s safe. God’s name is like that sign, promising protection and help.

Stories of God’s Name as a Tower

The Bible gives us pictures of people who ran to God’s name and found safety. Each one shows how God’s name meets us in different struggles. Let’s walk through them like stories around a campfire.

1. Abraham: Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)

   
   

   Abraham faced a huge test when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22). That’s like being told to give up your most precious thing—maybe your dream job or someone you love. On the way, Isaac asked, “Where’s the sacrifice?” Abraham didn’t say, “I can’t do this.” He trusted God, and God provided a ram at the last second. They called God “Jehovah Jireh,” meaning “God sees and provides.”

   
   

   It’s like being broke and panicking about rent, then finding an unexpected check in the mail. God sees your need and steps in.

   
   

   When I was stressed about a medical bill, I prayed, and a friend offered to help with groceries out of the blue. That was God providing, like He did for Abraham.

   
   

2. Moses: Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Is My Banner)

   
   

   Moses led Israel against a tough enemy, Amalek, who had a strong army (Exodus 17). Israel’s people weren’t trained fighters—they were like a ragtag team facing pros. But Moses prayed, and God gave them victory. They called God “Jehovah Nissi,” meaning “God is my banner.” A banner is like a flag you rally under in battle.

   
   

   It’s like being on a losing soccer team, but your coach holds up a flag that inspires you to keep fighting. God’s name is that flag, giving you strength.

   
   

   When I felt overwhelmed at work, like I was losing ground, I prayed for God to be my strength, and God helped me push through a tough project.
   

3. Gideon: Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Our Peace)

   
   

   Gideon was a farmer, not a warrior, but God called him to fight an army (Judges 6). He was scared, like I am when I face something big, like speaking in front of people. God called Himself “Jehovah Shalom,” meaning “God is our peace.” Gideon’s small, poorly armed group won because God was with them.

   
   

   It’s like being nervous before a big test, but your teacher whispers, “You’ve got this.” God’s peace calms you down.

   
   

   When I was anxious about a family argument, I read Psalm 23 and felt a calm that helped me talk things out.
   

4. Jeremiah: Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)

   
   

   Jeremiah was a prophet thrown in a dungeon for speaking truth (Jeremiah 38). He was falsely accused, like being blamed for something you didn’t do. But God was “Jehovah Tsidkenu,” meaning “God is our righteousness.” He made things right and got Jeremiah out.

   
   

   It’s like being grounded unfairly as a kid, but your parents realize the truth and let you go. God makes things right.

   
   

   When I was misunderstood at work, I prayed, and God gave me a chance to explain myself, clearing things up.
   

5. Ezekiel: Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)

   
   

   Ezekiel was far from home, feeling hopeless by a river (Ezekiel 1). It’s like being homesick or stuck in a bad situation. But God was “Jehovah Shammah,” meaning “God is there.” He showed Ezekiel He was present, even in tough times.

   
   

   It’s like being lost in a dark forest, but then you see a friend’s flashlight. God’s presence is that light.

   
   

   When I felt alone after a move, reading my Bible reminded me God was with me, like a friend who never leaves.
   

Daniel’s Story: Safe in the Tower

The Bible also mentions Daniel, who was thrown into a lions’ den (Daniel 6). People say he spent the night with lions, but that’s not the full story. He was safe because he trusted God’s name. It’s like being locked in a cage with wild dogs, but they don’t touch you because someone stronger is protecting you. Daniel ran to God’s name and was safe.

When I faced a scary doctor’s visit, I prayed, and the results weren’t as bad as I feared. God kept me safe, like He did Daniel.

Jesus: The Ultimate Name

Here’s the best part: the name “Jesus” is like the Greek version of “Joshua,” which means “Jehovah saves.” Jesus is our strong tower today. When my faith is tested, Jesus sees me, like Jehovah Jireh. When life feels like a battle, Jesus is my banner, like Jehovah Nissi. When I’m scared, He’s my peace, like Jehovah Shalom. When I mess up, He’s my righteousness, like Jehovah Tsidkenu. When I feel alone, He’s there, like Jehovah Shammah.

Jesus is like a superhero who shows up right when you need Him. No matter what you’re facing—fear, conflict, or discouragement—His name has the power to protect you. Even the devil runs away when Jesus steps in! But the best part is the realization of "Christ in you, the hope of glory"!

When I was discouraged about a failed plan, I prayed, “Jesus, help me,” and felt hope rise again, like He was standing right beside me. His presence was so real because He's not only with me but in me. How close is that!

Running to the Tower

So, what does this mean for me? Life’s storms—Satan’s lies, disappointments, pressures—can make me feel like I can’t keep going. But I don’t have to say, “I can’t.” I can run to God’s name, His strong tower. I do that by praying, reading my Bible, and trusting Jesus. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about knowing His name is enough. When I’m in His tower, I’m safe, no matter how loud the storm roars.

It’s like running into a storm shelter when a tornado’s coming. The shelter’s strong, not because of me, but because it’s built to last. Jesus is that shelter, and His name keeps me safe.

Reflection Questions

1. What’s a “storm” in your life right now—maybe a worry, a fight, or a disappointment? How could trusting God’s name help you feel safe?
   

2. Which of God’s names (like Jehovah Jireh for provision or Jehovah Shalom for peace) speaks to a need you have today? Why?
   

3. When you face tough moments, what’s one simple way you can run to God’s name—like praying, reading a verse, or trusting Jesus?
   

4. How does knowing Jesus is your strong tower change the way you face challenges? What’s one step you can take to lean on His name this week?
   

Prayer

Jesus, you’re my strong tower, my safe place when life feels overwhelming. Thank you that your name has power—power to provide, to give peace, to make things right, and to be with me. May I learn to run to you when I’m scared or stressed, instead of trying to handle it alone. Holy Spirit show me how to trust the name of Jesus more each day. Jesus thank you for keeping me safe, no matter what. Amen.

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