Have you Googled your name lately?
We tried to find an old friend recently on Facebook, but his name is so common that it’s difficult to identify the right individual.
That got me to thinking about names. Googling your own name can bring up all kinds of interesting information–and it may not be all about you. Social media is great for reconnecting with former friends if you have enough information about where they live now.
But social media also makes it difficult to remain anonymous. In most cases, that’s a good thing. No one enjoys being anonymous . Not really, even if they pretend to want it that way.
The good news is that we are not anonymous. The song “He Knows My Name” by Tommy Walker is one of my favorites because it’s such a great reminder that God knew me even before I was born. As the Psalmist said, “Your eyes saw me when I was still an unborn child. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place” (Psalm 139:16, GW).
Parents often choose a name that reflects their hopes and dreams for their baby. Many times, a person’s name does reflect his or her personality or character, or perhaps the child responds to the positive meaning of the name. Other children who are told they are weak or stupid or a failure live up to the negative “name” they are called.
But sometimes, God gives us a new name, a better name–one that conveys His belief in us, His love for us. Because He knows us. He might call us “Beloved” or “Precious” or “Beautiful.”
So no matter how alone or how anonymous you may feel, remember this: you are known. God knows you, and He knows the name He has given you. Live in the joy of being known by Him.
