Post 3: Thankful for His Many Names!
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.
Genesis 17:1
El Shaddai, pronounced [el-shah-dahy], is a compound word showing God’s character. El is translated as “God” and Shaddai is “Almighty”1. El Shaddai is also thought to be rooted in the Hebrew word shad meaning “breast” and refers to God as caring for His people as a mother would for her child, providing nourishment for His children and supplying for all their needs1.
Some highlights of its use include Genesis 17:1 above as well as:
And God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a multitude of people;
Genesis 28:3
He made a solemn promise to the Lord. He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,
Psalm 132:2
Yea, the Almighty will be your defense, and you will have plenty of silver.
Job 22:25
He that dwells in the secret place of the most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
What does this name mean for us?
Sweet friend, our God is El Shaddai, God Almighty, the All Sufficient One! He is more than able to bless you, to make you fruitful, to defend you, to uphold His promise to you, to give you safe rest beneath His shadow!
When we consider that God is El Shaddai (All Sufficient One) and He is also Elohim (Creator, Mighty and Strong), we gain a deeper understanding that in Him, we truly have everything we need for He is creator of all and supplier of all!
Are you in need of a blessing?
- Ask God. He has one ready for you!
Are you in need of defense?
- Seek God. He is the Almighty against Whom no enemy can stand!
Are you in need of rest?
- Rest in His shadow knowing He will defend you and supply all you need!
Wherever you are in life, our God, El Shaddai, is all you need. He is all sufficient, almighty! Defender. Supplier. Giver of rest!
Lord God Almighty, we thank You for Your name El Shaddai. We praise You for the great care you show Your children, for nourishing our bodies, our minds, and our spirits with Your bountiful supply of goodness! Forgive us when we take Your supply for granted, when we are discontent with the abundant goodness that You give. Forgive us when we fail to seek Your defense, when we struggle and strive to gain a victory that You have already secured. May we ever seek to more mindful of Your Almighty defense of us. May we remember in all things to give You thanks for You are all sufficient, truly everything we need!
References:
- Blue Letter Bible. 2022. Topical index: The names of God in the old testament. https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/misc/name_god.cfm
The Fruitful Educator 
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