I was at a party recently and one gentleman introduced himself to me as Bluto.

I immediately thought, As in the old Popeye cartoon?

At my quizzical look, he reassured me, “It’s a nickname.”

I relaxed immediately with that new understanding.

Thus began a lengthy discussion as to why we call our good friends by names other than their regular birth name.

I heard quite an interesting list in that 15-minute conversation. And typically those names or titles were birthed out of deep admiration and appreciation, not disregard or mockery.

Lest we think that nicknames are a human invention, God holds the record when it comes to having the most unique references about Himself. One author purports that there are some 700+ titles, references, and metaphors that describe God. Amazing!

Beyond the typical “God,” “Lord,” and “Father,” there are so many other words to call Him. Here are just a few:

I AM

Defender

Refuge

Protector

Alpha and Omega

Strong Tower

El Shaddai (Almighty God)

El Elohim (God of Israel)

Adonai (Master)

When you are in need and you ask yourself, “Who am I going to call?” remember that whatever you need from God, He will be. The name you speak is right there at the tip of your tongue. Just pick one of those vast endearing names, and He will run to your rescue.

– Laura J. Bagby