For His Name's Sake...

This morning in my Bible reading time, I read through several Psalms -- 103-106. I was struck by some verses in Psalm 106 which spoke of the crossing of the Red Sea: "Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up: so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy." (Psalm 106:8-10)

It occurred to me that for believers going through trials today (and, since trials are a normal part of life, if you aren't going through one now, just wait -- you will be), God is also leading us through the depths. What a blessing that thought is! I wanted to read a little more about these verses. As always, when I want more insight into Psalms, I turned to Spurgeon's Treasury of David. Not only is this Spurgeon's commentary on the Psalms, it is also a treasury of insights from other writers of Spurgeon's day and previously. As I read about Psalm 106, I came across an absolutely wonderful paragraph concerning what God will do for His name's sake. This was written by a man named Ralph Erskine, who lived from 1685 to 1752. I wanted to share this because it was such a blessing to me that I am sure God will use it to encourage others, as well. Here's what Ralph Erskine wrote:

"[God] hath a name suiting every want, every need. Do you need wonders to be wrought for you? His name is Wonderful; look to Him so to do, for His name's sake. Do you need counsel and direction? His name is the Counsellor; cast yourself on Him and His name for this. Have you mighty enemies to debate with? His name is the Mighty God; seek that He may exert His power for His name's sake. Do you need His fatherly pity? His name is the everlasting Father; 'As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.' Plead His pity, for His name's sake. Do you need peace external, internal, or eternal? His name is the Prince of Peace; seek, for His name's sake, that He may create peace. O sirs, His name is JEHOVAH-ROPHI, the Lord, the healer and physician; seek, for His name's sake, that He may heal all your diseases. Do you need pardon? His name is JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, the Lord our righteousness; seek, for His name's sake, that He may be merciful to your unrighteousness. Do you need defense and protection? His name is JEHOVAH-NISSI, the Lord your banner; seek, for His name's sake, that His banner of love and grace may be spread over you. Do you need provision in extreme want? His name is JEHOVAH-JIREH, in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen, the Lord will provide. Do you need His presence? His name is JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, the Lord is there; IMMANUEL, God with us; look to HIm to be with you, for His name's sake. Do you need audience of prayer? His name is the Hearer of Prayer. Do you need strength? His name is the Strength of Israel. Do you need shelter? His name is the City of Refuge. Have you nothing and need all? His name is All in all. Sit down and devise names to your wants and needs, and you will find He hath a name suitable thereunto; for your supply, He hath wisdom to guide you; and power to keep you; mercy to pity you; truth to shield you; holiness to sanctify you; righteousness to justify you; grace to adorn you; and glory to crown you. Trust in His name, who saves for His name's sake."

I hope that these wonderful thoughts will encourage someone else as they did me!