Why God’s Names Are So Important to Our Writing

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

Do you have a favorite name for God? I like to call Him “Home.” He makes His home within us (John 14:23), and we find in Him a forever home for our hearts (Psalm 107:9) and a forever love to cherish (Jeremiah 31:3).

When we pray, we might call Him “Father,” “Abba,” or “Lord.” Focusing on His names in our prayer times can help us remember who He is and what He is capable of. Do you remember to include His names when you write? 

When I was a teenager, hunting for God’s names in Scripture became one of my favorite Bible study tools. I kept a chart with three columns, and they were labeled “Father,” “Son,” and “Spirit.” Any time I studied a chapter and found a name for God, I put the name and its reference in the correct column and thought about why God included that name on purpose in the chapter. 

This helped me to not only understand the passage better, but it gave me more of a well-rounded view of who God is. Including God’s names in our writing, can do the same thing. We can share with our readers a well-rounded and personal view of God and what He can do.

When we look at the beginnings of the nation of Israel in Genesis to Deuteronomy, we discover “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13 NIV) and the great “I Am” (Exodus 3:14 NKJV). We find courage in knowing God sees us and cares about us, and since He is the great I Am, nothing can stand in His way. 

When we turn page after page in the book of Psalms, our hearts find comfort in knowing He is our Rock, the God of our salvation, and the LORD of hosts. 

In the book of John, we find a Savior to believe in and a Shepherd to follow. We discover Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. We discover sustenance for our souls in the Bread of Life and quenched thirst for our spirits in the Living Water.

Scripture is filled with God’s names that teach us to trust Him, obey Him, listen to Him, and love Him. Let’s not forget to use the power of His names in our writing, so our readers can also trust Him and love Him more every day. 

2 Categories of Questions to Maximize Studying God’s Names

What questions can we ask ourselves when we find a name for God in a Bible passage? Here are two categories of questions for understanding Scripture and making application.

To learn more about the passage we’re studying:

1. If we’re studying a story in Scripture, why did the people in this story need to remember this name for God?
2. Are there any promises from God that were attached to this name?
3. How would this name have helped the people to respect God and trust Him more?
4. How does their situation relate to our lives today, and how can we also trust God in similar ways?
5. If we are studying one of Paul’s letters, why did the recipients of the letter need to remember this name for God? What difference would it make?
6. When we find ourselves in a similar situation, how can we depend on God based on this name?

To learn more about God and our relationship with Him: 

1. What does this name tell us about the facets of God’s character?
2. How does this name help us to love God now and forever?
3. How does this name help us to meet life’s challenges with courage?
4. How is this name a motivation for us to share the gospel, so others can know God like this?
5. How does this name guide us to act and to use our abilities and resources for God’s kingdom? 

If we take the time to look—really look—at God’s names in Scripture, we’re bound to find a fountain of truth and reasons to love Him. Talking about these names in our writing can inspire our readers to trust God more and more and to follow Him even when they don’t know how a trial will turn out. 

What are your top two favorite names for God? How have they made an impact on your heart and mind? Tell us in the comments, and may God bless your treasure hunts in Scripture!

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Why God's Names are So Important to Our Writing from @KatyKauffman28 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of LIGHTHOUSE BIBLE STUDIES. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations such as For Love’s Sake: The Life-Changing Facets of Love in 30 Bible Studies, Devotions, and Christian Living Articles, which was a 2023 finalist in the Director’s Choice Awards. She also enjoys encouraging writers and giving writing tips in her writers’ newsletter called THE LIGHTHOUSE CONNECTION.

In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.COM, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, create art and make crafts with her group MY ARTSY TRIBE, and tend the garden in the morning sun. She makes her home in a cozy suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Connect with her on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.