My name is Lise. No, it’s not short for anything, but it is a diminutive of Elizabeth. My parents picked it because it means “consecrated to God”. That has been something to live up to! My father was a pastor so he and my mother meant that very intentionally. During my early years I was very devoted to God and very involved in my home church.
I strayed during my college years and also my early married days. It took a manic episode to bring me back to the Lord. My faith has grown during my years as a Christian but still “consecrated to God” can seem like a stretch at times. I’m reminded of the example of Samuel, whom his mother Hannah brought to the temple as a young boy to serve God. Hannah said, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord” (1 Sam. 1:27-28).
In many places in the Bible we see names being significant. Abram became Abraham and Sarai became Sarah. Jacob became Israel. Saul became Paul, just to name a few.
My sons’ names have meaning. Aaron’s name means “leader” and David’s name means “beloved”. They have grown into their names. Aaron is a supervisor at his workplace and David adds “I love you” to every text.
Do you know the meaning of your name? Many women have Joy as a first name or middle name and that one needs no explanation, but there are many others that require a little digging.
Regardless of what our given name means, the Lord has called us all to live consecrated unto Him in all things. Challenges will come our way that will test our faithfulness to the Lord, but in all things, seek to take the higher road and live a life devoted to God.