Going From Pain To Praise

Throughout history, names have held significant meaning.

Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Anne Shirley famously disagrees with Shakespeare, saying, “I read in a book once that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I’ve never been able to believe it. I don’t believe a rose would be as nice if it were called a thistle or a skunk cabbage.”

I would have to agree with Anne of Green Gables. I don’t know how many of us would go out of our way to visit a skunk cabbage garden. It doesn’t sound as nice, even if it smelled divine.

The Power Behind A Name

In the Bible, a person’s name was profoundly significant. A name could reflect their character, prophetic destiny, or the emotional well-being of the parent at the time of birth.

My name, Angela, means angelic messenger, and I like to think that my life reflects that calling. When my husband and I were expecting our daughter, we were drawn to the name Jael. She was a fearless heroine who killed Israel’s enemy Sisera (Judges 4).

But, then we looked up the meaning… Jael: mountain goat.

I love goats, okay? They climb to great heights, they persevere, and they have great balance. When I was in Alaska this year, I saw the most fearless mountain goats, scaling the scariest cliffs. God created their hoofs in such a way that they only need two inches or less of cliff edge to ascend. They were remarkable and daring creatures.

But we suspected that our precious baby girl would not appreciate the hidden meaning behind her name when she grew older, so we kept searching.

If your name is Jael, just remember that it’s a name of strength. Technically, it means mountain goat—but in the most majestic, ascends higher, and defeats the bad guy kind of way.

I just finished reading the book of Genesis, and I was astounded by how much I learned. Yesterday’s devotion surveyed Leah and Rachel’s relationship with Jacob. But today, I would love to teach about the power of Leah naming her first four sons.

Reuben — “Behold A Son”

“And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me,” Genesis 29:32.

Ruben means, “Behold a son,” or “See, a son!” Gen 29:32. This name is an emotional plea for love. When she called for Ruben, she was sending a message to Jacob saying, “Look, I gave you a son. Behold your firstborn son. Will you love me now?”

Simeon — “God Has Heard”

“And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the Lord hath heard I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon,” Genesis 29:33.

Simeon’s name means “He has heard, or God has heard.” The message behind Simeon’s name encourages Leah that God hears the unheard. And, even though Jacob ignores her, God has not. When she calls Simeon’s name, it is a cry stating, “The Lord heard me when no one else did.”

Levi — “Attached”

“And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi,” Genesis 29:34.

Levi’s name means attached and joined in harmony. Leah may have given Levi this name because she longed to have an emotional connection with Jacob. She hoped that after giving him three sons, she would finally be loved herself and connected to her husband, especially when compared to her sister, who, at the time, had no children of her own.

Judah — “Praise”

“And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the Lord: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing,” Genesis 29:35.

Judah means “Praise” or “God be praised.” Gen 29:35. After giving birth to three sons and still not having her love reciprocated, her focus shifts. Instead of longing for Jacob’s affection, she turns her heart toward God in worship. She said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Her praise wasn’t tied to her circumstances, so she chose to serve God anyway. Judah’s bloodline is where King David and, ultimately, Jesus would come. A royal and redemptive line was born.

The naming of Leah’s sons reflects a different stage in her emotional journey, from longing and pain for Jacob’s love to focusing her love, devotion, and praise to the Lord.

I Choose To Pour Out My Praise

Maybe today you feel a little like Leah, longing for something out of reach. Maybe your heart has silently whispered, “Does anyone hear me, or see me?”

But Leah’s story shows us that God sees, hears, and can turn sorrow into praise.

Even when Jacob didn’t choose Leah, she was chosen by God to be part of something far greater —a redemptive story that would ultimately lead to Jesus Christ. From Leah’s line came Judah, who brought forth King David. And from King David’s line came Jesus, the Savior of the world. Today, God can prepare a legacy through your pain. Your story is not over.

Your life has meaning, and your journey has purpose. And, even your pain can become the birthplace of praise. So today, take a moment to praise the Lord—not because everything is perfect, but because He is.

Like Leah, let us worship God because He is the One who never leaves us unseen.

This devotion was written by Angela Overton for moretolifetoday.net