When God births a new name in you, it will be a beautiful process. It may take time. It may not look like you thought it would. There my be pain along the way. You will need helpers and encouragers. But the birth of your new name is intensely beautiful, and the process is meant for every single one of us.”- Esther Fleece Allen
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”- Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
As Esther Fleece Allen continues Chapter 10 of Your New Name, she notes the temptation to overidentify with our new names as well. Because it’s possible to form a new identity using good names and good titles. However, then we end up worshiping the gift of a new name. Instead of worshiping the One who bestowed that gift.
But, Esther stresses, our names must place the focus on God. And our names tell what God completes inside us, rather than draw the attention to ourselves. Esther explains:
“When we submit to God’s leadership in our lives, there is no name of His gifting that is impossible to take on. He wants newness, freedom, love, kindness, gentleness, and more to radiate out of whatever name we take on. . . . If we make God the foundation of our identity, the only One who is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8), we will hold steady through the highs and lows that come our way.”
Finally, Esther encourages, our lives sing again when God completes His new work in us. So, after a season of despair, take hope that your new song and season exists around the corner.
Above all, our new song places the focus on living out of our true identity as sons and daughters of God. Thus, it’s not about us and our circumstances. This enables others to see the Lord and put their trust in Him. In addition, refuse to make good things ultimate things. As a result, despair fails to represent our final song.
Today’s question: When have you experienced a time when God births a new name in you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Restored after a season of loss”
