Jesus’ Name is Everything

Anxiety has a way of creeping in. Sometimes, it catches me off guard and pounces like a squirrel that spots a vulnerable nut.

If I wake up a little later than usual or am dealing with a time change that can wreak havoc with my routine, time creeps up on me, and before I know it, I’ve not had my quiet moments with God to set my day off right before heading into a busy workday.

This is when the enemy finds a crack in my armor and slips in to yank my chain with subtle anxious thoughts or feelings. If not put in its place, it can spiral quickly.

My dear husband prays peace over me and reminds me of the pace of grace. I am reminded to breathe! I press pause and take five minutes with God to reset my intentions. I reaffirm my focus and claim the peace Jesus offers (John 14:27, ESV).

Jesus’ name is everything to me because it helps me stop spiraling. He is my peace and Waymaker, calm in the storm, and light in the dark (John 8:12). One whisper of His name settles my spirit and sends the enemy packing. Instead of anxiously striving, I find solace and joy that carries me through whatever the day holds.

Jesus is the living water for our dry, thirsty bones, which need refreshment in any season (John 4:14). I pray for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit that revitalizes and strengthens us to persevere until Jesus’ return. As Peter reminds us, God is not slow to fulfill His promise but is patiently giving others a chance at repentance, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Perhaps this should light a fire under us to share the Good News with more people. Paul says that everyone who calls on the name of God will be saved (Rom. 10:13). Still, he continues to ask, how will they call on God if they don’t believe, and how will they believe in God if they have never heard the Good News (Rom. 10:14)?  

With this series of questions, Paul highlights the chain of events necessary for salvation through Christ (Rom. 10:14-15). The ESV Study Bible notes the logic of Paul’s plea: People will call on Jesus to save them only if they believe he can do it; belief in Christ cannot happen without the knowledge of Him; one only hears about Christ when someone proclaims their testimony and saving message; the message cannot be declared unless God sends someone to do so.

Let us give hope and show others that Jesus Christ’s name has the power to save and is the weapon of choice against the enemy and darkness of this world.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns;” (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15, emphasis added).

“Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:38, emphasis added).