Trusting Yahweh Rohi to Help You Live Unafraid

It was a lovely summer morning. July 9, to be exact. My fiftieth birthday. 

I sat in my backyard with my Bible, journal, and coffee, and I prayed, “Father, please give me a scripture that will carry me through the next 50 years.” Psalm 23:1 immediately came to mind.

“The LORD is my shepherd: I have all that I need.”

I pondered those words for a few seconds and then replied, “Thanks, but no thanks. I need something more profound.” Eeek! God knew better than to grant my request, so He impressed the same verse on me until I relented. I’m so glad He did.

“Yahweh Rohi” – what difference does this make?

Sixteen years have passed since that morning, and I’ve learned alot in the spiritual realm since then.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned thus far is the value of understanding God by His names. For instance, Psalm 23:1 contains one of His Hebrew names–Yahweh Rohi–translated into English as, “the LORD is my shepherd.”

Throughout the Old Testament, God used Hebrew names to reveal various aspects of His character to His chosen people. Each name was like a facet on a priceless diamond, reflecting His nature and glory. Collectively, they manifested His holiness, His love, and His trustworthiness toward His children. 

By using the name Yahweh Rohi, God tells us that He is our protector, provider, and guide. He watches over us, knows us by name, and takes ownership of us. 

Understanding God’s role as a shepherd encourages us to trust Him. We don’t have to figure out life on our own. He is with us, and like a good shepherd cares for his flock, Yahweh Rohi has our best interest in mind. Always. We can trust Him. We can rest in His care and rise above fear when it threatens to devour us.

How I’ve experienced God as Yahweh Rohi

Understanding God’s character specifically as a shepherd—my Shepherd—has given me courage to persevere with hope through some very difficult circumstances: 

• When I lost my mobility for three months, He gave me the strength needed to cope and recover.
• When my mom passed away in 2020, He gave me the privilege to be at her side and comforted me. He gave me the emotional and mental strength to fulfill a speaking commitment a week later.
• When my family has needed a helping hand, He has enabled me to offer assistance for extended periods.
• When Gene and I sensed God’s leading us to purge our earthly belongings and move onto a sailboat fulltime, He provided us with a vessel perfectly suited for living aboard and a place to moor it despite there being a seven-year waiting list in Vancouver area marinas.
• When my publisher issued me a three-book contract to lead readers into a deeper understanding of God’s character as manifest through His names, He guided and provided time and resources to do the job.

The list of examples exceeds my word allotment here, but you get the picture. Life has brought some hefty challenges since that summer morning when God impressed Psalm 23:1 on my mind, and each has provided an opportunity to experience Him as Yahweh Rohi, my Shepherd. The more I’ve come to understand the gems of truth in this name, the stronger my faith in Him has grown. Fear isn’t nearly as big a deal as it used to be. 

Give your fears to Yahweh Rohi

What worries or fears are you struggling with today? What cares are you carrying? What burdens are you bearing? Pause for a minute or two and answer these questions honestly, okay?

I want you to know that you are not alone. Yahweh Rohi is with you. The LORD, your Shepherd, holds you close to His heart. He cares for you and will provide everything needed to not only survive but to thrive through your circumstances even though they’re difficult.

Grasp hold of the simple yet profound truth in the name Yahweh Rohi and trust the Shepherd to fulfill His role in your life. He will never fail you because you are His little lamb and He is a good, good shepherd.

Go deeper into understanding God’s names

Names of God: Living Unafraid will release on July 9, sixteen years to the day God impressed Psalm 23:1 on my mind. Understanding His character as manifest through His names–Yahweh Rohi being one of them–has changed my life.

I invite you to buy a copy and do a deep dive into seven names of God. Understanding His character frees us to live unafraid, so encourage your friends to grab a copy, too. Then get together and use this resource to grow in your faith.