When I was 11, Amy Grant had a song, El Shaddai. Being a new Believer, the idea of God having names fascinated me. I searched and studied as many as I could find.
“When Abram was 99 years old Adonai appeared to Him, ‘I AM El Shaddai, walk before Me and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1
El Shaddai was a name he called Himself, and Abraham had to decipher the meaning. The closest translation would be: “The Source, Sovereign King, God Almighty.” It includes aspects of:
- fertility giver (blesser of womb & breast),
- Protector of life (having power over life),
- Judge (final, ultimate).
And He has been! The source of my strength and peace, in control of all the chaos, and stronger than any enemy that has come against me. He has blessed me with physical and spiritual children and protected my life on a daily basis. He will come again as my Judge and Eternal Ruler. This name really covers it all.
After sharing His name, God told Abram to simply walk before Him. “Hitpael” (in Hebrew) means walk back and forth; live out one’s life. Day in, day out… work, sleep, eat, repeat. Yes, I can do that. I can walk before El Shaddai in awareness that He is God, and I am not. Everything I have came from Him and lays bare before Him.
Giver of life, Sustainer, Protector, Ruler, Judge.
“and Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.” James 2:23
Wow – God’s friend, just for believing. I want that too.
ForGlorySake! –Anna
