This morning, I was reading in Psalm 9 and came across these words, “Those who know Your name will trust in You.” (Psalm 9:1

Trusting God is tough isn’t it? Especially when He throws a curve ball into your plans. Or, when you are crying out for Him to answer a prayer of yours and heaven feels silent. Honestly, I think most of us want to trust God, we’re just not always sure how. I love this quote by my friend, Debbie Alsdorf, “Trusting God is a spiritual lifestyle to be learned.” (Quote from The Faith Dare) In other words, building trust is a series of baby steps taken one after the other so that gradually over time our spiritual walks become strong and steady.

Honestly, my journey to “trust God” has been a journey of stepping forward, falling down and then getting back up and stepping out again. One practice that has helped me immensely is to choose to praise God for His names. The names of God have helped me understand His heart. As I have intentionally praised Him for His names, the Holy Spirit has strengthened my faith walk.

A good place to start your praise journey is with Jesus. Here are a few names of Jesus that you can use this week in your praise time. As you praise Him intentionally, I believe you will trust Him more fully.

Almighty God. (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 15:3) Jesus Christ is called the Almighty God. I don’t know about you, but that is very comforting to me. Jesus wasn’t just a great teacher or prophet. He was God’s Son. Almighty God made flesh. How cool is that? When I feel fearful, I praise Jesus that He is the Almighty God and no problem is too big for Him.

Alpha and Omega. (Revelation 1:8, 22:13) Jesus holds time in His Almighty hands. When I feel anxious that things in my life are not moving fast enough, I praise Jesus that He is on time in my life.

Bread of Life. (John 6:36) This name of Jesus’ is one of my favorites. It reminds me that Jesus is able to meet and sustain every need and longing in my life. There is not one longing in my life that is too much for Christ.

Lamb of God. (John 1:29, 36) Jesus came as the precious lamb of God to take the punishment for all my sin and shame! When I am tempted to go back to “shame thoughts” I praise Jesus that He is the lamb of God and He came so that I would never have to feel shame again! The same holds true for you my friend. When shame talk starts in your head, silence it by praising the Lamb of God.

Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:25) I love this name for Jesus because it reminds me that when my dreams die, Jesus offers me a resurrection! He came to continually offer me new life. The same hold true for you! Praise Him this week that He is your resurrection and life.

Listen: In your praise time, music can be helpful. Try listening to “it’s Who You Are” by Vertical Church this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g4GVARUpjI

Try praising God this week using His names. I’d love to hear from you. Which one is your favorite and why?