Take the following verse to heart:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
~Psalms 20:7
Learn to trust in the name of the Lord because His name is powerful. The Apostle Paul reveals that it is actually the highest name of all. Writing to the Philippians – and, of course, to the Church of all ages – he shows that God Himself exalted Jesus Christ to the highest place and “gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ~ Philippians 2:9-11
A lot of God’s children are yet to realize the power of His name in their lives. It is not even enough to acknowledge the power in His name; you must learn how put that power to use. When you don’t, I believe it amounts to misuse, and this is at variance with the third commandment. According to that commandment, “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” ~ Exodus 20:7
Rather than use the name of the Lord in vain, use it for gain. Let me show you how:
#1. Use the Name of the Lord to command change in your circumstances and that of others
Let this story inspire you.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Peter definitely knew how to use the Lord. He did not use it in vain, instead he used it for gain; and not for selfish reasons, but to genuinely help someone else. That is how to use the name of the Lord: use it to command change in your circumstances and that of others.
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, let your needs be met! In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, be healed. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, let there be peace in your home.
Follow the pattern and command change wherever you may need it.
In the story above, the blind man was expecting money, because that’s what others had always thrown at his problem. Similarly, a lot of people today are sitting down complaining about money, not knowing that the name of the Lord can actually lift them up. To think of wealth and success mainly in terms of cash is to sell your soul to the devil. You have other resources that are more powerful than cash. One of them is the name of the LORD; and you connect to the power of this name through faith.
“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord”, they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you” ~Matthew 9:28-29
Jesus never said that it will be done to you according to your finances; He says it is according to your faith. God has promised to work according to your faith, not your finances. Therefore, be encouraged right now and say to that stagnant situation, “In the name of Jesus Christ, begin to yield desirable results.”
#2. Use the Name of the Lord as a foundation to take positive actions with confidence
This is how the Apostle put it in his letter to the Colossians,”And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ~Colossians 3:17
In the story above, I like the fact that after declaring the name of the Lord, Peter did something positive – he reached out and lifted the man up. He applied some physical effort to help. It is not enough to speak to your problems in the name of the Lord; you must take positive actions afterwards to realize your miracles. Do not fold your hands after declaring the name of the Lord. Take action.
Each day, speak the name of the Lord over your challenges, then go out and take positive actions.