Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that the phrase "the name of the LORD" encompasses not just God's name, but also all the attributes or functions that He possesses or exercises in a supreme degree (that is, that underlie or are "in back of" His name), such as omnipotence, mercy, grace, patience, truth, goodness, and many others; and that characterize His actions on behalf of His followers (especially when regarded from an eternal, rather than a merely temporal, perspective). 

When the proverb refers to the name of the LORD as a strong tower, it is contrasting it with the verse that immediately follows it (Proverbs 18:11), which characterizes those who depend on wealth or material possessions as a safeguard against adversity as relying on an imaginary or illusory source of protection, particularly in connection with their eternal state.

February 17 2021 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

Whenever we pray "in the name of the Lord" we access the very throne room of God, his Strong Tower. In the presence of God we receive "complete protection" and "total fulfilment" for all our needs in life. That doesn't mean we won't suffer in this life, but it does mean that we will never be separated from the love of God, and nothing can stop God from accomplishing his plan and purpose for our life.

The apostle James shows us what the Strong Tower looks like when we live by faith IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. 

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops (James 5:7-18).

Whenever we cry out IN THE NAME OF THE LORD God places his Strong Tower around us to provide the refuge we need to be patient in suffering and to persevere until the Lord comes. Whenever we speak IN THE NAME OF THE LORD the kingdom of God advances upon the earth. Whenever we pray IN THE NAME OF THE LORD every mountain in our way is thrown into the sea and every need is met in life.

February 17 2021 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report