NAME OF GOD: JEHOVAH SHAMMAH
THE LORD IS THERE
Ezekiel 48:35b - "And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.”
Devotional
Ezekiel ends his book in a surprising way. Not with another warning or vision of judgment, he ends with hope. Ezekiel is writing to people who have lost everything. Their land, their city, their temple, and the sense of God’s presence that once defined them as a nation. Throughout the book, Ezekiel describes God’s glory leaving the temple because of Israel’s sin. So when we get to Ezekiel 48:30–35, the importance of this moment stands out. After describing the boundaries of a restored city, God gives it a new name: “The Lord Is There.” That’s the last line of the whole book. It isn’t a plan, a warning, or even just restoration. It’s about presence. Jehovah Shammah shows us a God who returns to live with His people. A God who keeps His promise. A God who says, “I’m not done with you. I am there.”
What stands out to me about this name is how simple and personal it is. God doesn’t say, “The Lord fixed everything” or “The Lord explained everything.” He says, “The Lord is there.” That’s enough. Jehovah Shammah means the most when God feels quiet or far away. There have been times when life has felt unsettled, when things weren’t “fixed” yet, and I wondered if God was still close. Jehovah Shammah reminds me that God’s presence isn’t based on how strong my faith feels or how together my life is. Like Israel, I don’t always get quick answers, but I do find comfort in Him. God isn’t discouraged by slow rebuilding. He is there in the waiting, in repentance, in slow healing, and even in silence. Sometimes I don’t need answers as much as I need to know I’m not alone. Knowing that God chooses to be with me has steadied my heart more than anything else. Jehovah Shammah reminds us that His presence is a promise, not just a feeling. He has never left. He hasn’t gone anywhere. He is here, right now. And that changes everything.
Devotional Prayer Questions
1. Where in my life do I struggle to believe that God is truly present right now, and what has shaped that belief?
2. What would it look like today to slow down and intentionally acknowledge God’s nearness instead of rushing past it?
The Lord's Prayer
Use the Lord's Prayer to guide your prayer time.
“Father”
Father we thank you simply for being there, for showing up, for not turning your back on me or those around me but just for being there.
“Hallowed be Your Name”
Jehovah Shammah, your name means that you are there with us and for us. We thank you for your presence in our lives.
“Your Kingdom come / Your will be done”
Because you are there for us in our lives and those around us let us trust that you know the best for our lives. Help us to hand things off to you in full confidence that you know our circumstances.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
Please give us exactly what we need, help us to care for others and try to just be there for them in their need.
“Forgive us our sins…”
Forgive us for doubting that you are there for us, help us remember daily that you are always with us, and we never walk alone.
“Lead us not into temptation”
Give us courage knowing fully that we are not alone, that the Lord is there. In our work, school and family life we are not alone.
Prayer Requests
After praying through the Lord's Prayer, please pray openly for those around you, our Church, those that are lost and then if you are joining us in person, please pray over a few prayer requests on the prayer cards located on the front of the stage and return them in the basket at the exit.
With Your Family
Prayer is so important for us to develop especially with our family. Throughout the 21 Days of Prayer we want to provide simple prayer prompts that you and your children can pray through that can break down the name of God into an easily understood manner and how we can pray through that. In addition to the prayer below, prompt your children to pray for family, friends, teachers, others in their life and remember to always lead the prayer with gratitude.
Thank God that He is Jehovah Shammah, which means The LORD is There.
This means God is always right here with us, even when we can't see Him.
Because God is always present, no one ever has to feel truly alone.
Pray today for someone who might be feeling lonely. Ask God to help them feel His presence and know they are loved.
Pray for God to show you a way today that you can show love to someone who may be feeling alone.
Communion
If you are joining us in person, please pick up the communion elements provided and take it to close out your prayer time.
Scripture:
Read the following passage before participating in communion:
Mark 14:22-25: And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Prayer:
Take a moment and ask God to examine your heart and reveal any sin that is hindering your relationship with Him. Confess that sin to the Lord. Then, as you read the passage, take a moment to praise and thank God for His body and His blood, and eat the bread and drink the cup.
