Awhile back I bought a new toothbrush, I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was actually an electric toothbrush. I used my toothbrush several times a day, manually brushing my teeth in the up and down motions that the dentist had so successfully drilled into my brain after 3-4 years of having braces.
One evening, while at a conference on the supernatural with some ladies from church, I set about my normal bedtime routine. I put on my PJ’s, picked up my toothbrush and began the routine of brushing my teeth. When I completed the task, I rinsed the brush and banged it on the side of the sink to get the water out. Only this time, when I tapped the brush it began to shake and vibrate in my hand.
I stared at the brush in confusion. I switched it to my other hand, unsure that what I was seeing was real. We had been hearing stories of healings and people receiving gold teeth all day, but a vibrating toothbrush? Come on?!
I ran my hand up and down the toothbrush and couldn’t find a way to make it stop shaking. I walked out of the restroom, eyes wide and toothbrush in hand. “Ah ladies,” I stuttered, “My toothbrush is vibrating and I can’t make it stop.”
One of my friends looked at me like I had grown another head. Frankly, I was pretty convinced I had! “Usually there’s a button on the side and you just turn it off,” she stated matter of factly.
I can’t recall exactly what happened next, but we got it shut off. “That is so crazy,” I said, breathing a sigh of relief, “I have been using this toothbrush for months and had no idea it was electric!”
From that day forward, I began to utilize my electric toothbrush to its fullest potential. I had never owned one prior, but now, I don’t think I’d ever go back to the old way!
For some time now, God has been speaking to me about the power of His name. There is so much there that we haven’t even begun to grasp. It’s like holding that toothbrush or something way more powerful in your hand, but failing to turn it on or plug it in.
We don’t see or tap into the fullness of what is available to us!
This past Sunday at church, a friend preached on the names of God. He began with the challenge God had issued to His heart one day, “Who do you need me to be?” He encouraged the congregation to ask themselves the same question, “Who do you need God to be in your life?” He then shared some of the names of God mentioned in the Bible and the meanings. I was going to touch on a few today. However, there is so much in this first one, I think I will save the others for another day.
Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord My Shepherd. Most of us are very familiar with Psalm 23 and can quote at least a portion of it from heart.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down on green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
As we’ve all experienced, the world is crazy and it feels like it’s getting crazier by the minute. However, we can call out to God, our “Jehovah-Rohi,” in our time of need.
When we need peace, He promises to be our peace.
When we need sustenance, He promises to be our sustenance.
When we feel broken, He restores us.
When we feel like we are walking in valley of the shadow of death, we don’t have to be afraid because He promises He is with us.
God is holding out the electric toothbrush, the power saw, the dynamite, whatever it is that you need today. All you have to do is utilize it.
Plug it in by plugging in to God’s word and spending time with Him.
Turn it on by calling on the names of God and declaring who you need Him to be today.
Utilize it, by walking in the things that He is asking you to do and who He has called you to be.
“Heavenly Father, I declare today that you are my Jehovah-Rohi, the Lord My Shepherd. You watch over me and protect me from the plans of the enemy. You bring peace to my troubled mind and still my anxiousness. Help me to walk in that peace today Lord. Help me to be still and drink of your goodness. I love you Jesus, amen.”
Be Encouraged,
Jean
The picture shared with this article was taken by Cindy Smith, author and gifted photographer of “Traveling with Jesus.” Cindy’s passion is to combine God’s Word and His creation to encourage others. You can see more of Cindy’s beautiful photos on FB at “Traveling with Jesus.”
