My New Name

I've been thinking more about the bible study I'm doing. The part about God renaming us (see Tuesday's entry) has been on my heart and mind.

My name means Sea of Bitterness. But I think I know what my new name is. Whatever "tears of joy" means, that's my new name. I tell you, I've been crying a whole lot of tears of joy.

During the last two months God has shown himself so clearly to me through His word. I've seen connections between Old Testament chapters and New Testament chapters I'm reading. I've come across new things I never noticed before. He's even given me a bible study out of the latest chapters, which are Daniel and First Corinthians. I hope to get that published once I'm done with these chapters. I was so humbled that He would care to show those revelations to little old me that this morning as I prayed afterwards, the tears of joy just flowed.

As my husband and I have begun to tithe faithfully, I have seen God stretch the remaining dollars, just as He promised in Malachi 3:10 (NIV): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it." I can't tell you how many tears of joy have flowed as I have seen Him keep this promise.

And yet another example is in my drawing near to Him, He has made His presence known to me as He promised in James 4:8 (NIV) "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." During worship (the music part because I think the whole service is worship) on Sunday mornings I have often been brought to tears because I can clearly feel His presence. It is an indescribable feeling, much like He is - beyond words.

So yes, I like this renaming. The closest I can come is Abigail. Here is what I found that name to be: From the Hebrew name אֲבִיגָיִל ('Avigayil) meaning "my father is joy". That I like. So call me Abigail :)