Maybe you’re like me when you’re going through a struggle, you know you need to turn to the bible, but a blank stare glazes over when you flip through the pages. Where do you start? You know what you want. You’re pretty sure you know what you need, but where in this giant book of ancient theology do you begin?

Recently I’ve been studying the descriptions of Jesus, from Genesis to Revelation. In my research, I stumbled across a list of Jesus’ names according to His character attributes (there’s a book by Tony Evans that also contains this list as well).

For instance, when Jesus was healing, the word Hebrews used for Him meant “Healer”. When Christ was called upon for victory, they called out to Him as “triumphant one”. His name changed for the circumstance, though He was always Jesus.

This happens in our life. Your mother’s name might be Doris. But at home when her care is needed, she is called upon as ‘Mom’. In the workplace though, they may refer to her as ‘manager’ or ‘director’. Her friends may know her as ‘Doris Day’. Depending on how you know a person, and what you need from them, will determine what you call them.

Back to the Bible now, if you can identify what your need is and then pinpoint in the pages of scripture wherever Jesus is showing up clothed in this character reference, that would be a starting place for your spirit.

The character and purpose attributes of Jesus are God’s provision to you.

When you need love, the Lord shows up as Companion. Father. Friend.

When you’re struggling through loneliness, God shows up in Song of Solomon, in Ruth, and in Amos as Lover, Kinsman, and Husband.

What are you seeking in life or asking God to provide for you? The Lord is always several steps ahead of you. Whatever you’re asking for, He has already prepared it to meet your request.

If you’re not familiar with the stories in scripture, below is a list of where the Lord shows up as the supply to the demand. Allow these parables and adventures remind your weary heart that God will always show up as the One you need. Quiet your anxious thoughts and allow the Holy Spirit direct you with His peace. Pray over these stories as you apply the Living Word to your own life.

In Genesis, He is the Creator God.

In Exodus, He is your Redeemer.

In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.

In Numbers, He is your guide.

In Deuteronomy, he is your teacher.

In Joshua, He is your mighty conqueror.

In Judges, He gives you victory over your enemies.

In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your Redeemer.

In 1 Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.

In 2 Samuel, He is the son of David.

In 1 & 2 Kings, He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

In 1 & 2 Chronicles, He is your intercessor and high priest.

In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.

In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.

In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.

In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles but also has the power to do something about them.

In Psalms, He is your song and your reason to sing.

In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.

In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.

In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.

In Isaiah, He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sick soul.

In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one on whom you can depend.

In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who assures that dead, dry bones will come alive again.

In Daniel, He is the Ancient of Days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.

In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.

In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.

In Amos, He is your husband, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.

In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.

In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back in His will.

In Micah, He is judge of the nation.

In Nahum, He is the jealous God.

In Habakkuk, He is the holy one.

In Zephaniah, He is the witness.

In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.

In Zechariah, He is the Lord of hosts.

In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.

In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.

In Mark, He is the servant.

In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

In John, He is the Son of God.

In Acts, He is the Savior of the world.

In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.

In 1 Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.

In 2 Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory.

In Galatians, He is the liberty, setting you free.

In Ephesians, He is the head of the church.

In Philippians,He is your joy.

In Colossians, He is your completeness.

In 1 Thessalonians, He is your hope.

In 2 Thessalonians, He is your glory.

In 1 Timothy, He is your faith.

In Titus, He is God our Savior.

In Philemon, He is your benefactor.

In Hebrews, He is your perfection.

In James, He is your power behind your faith.

In 1 Peter, He is your example.

In 2 Peter, He is your purity.

In 1 John, He is your life.

In 2 John, He is your pattern.

In 3 John, He is your motivation.

In Jude, He is your foundation.

In Revelation, He is your coming King.

May the Father take you by the hand and guide your thinking as you read from His manuscript He left for you. May the Author’s hand weave threads of His Truth through the fibers of your bones and may Hosanna in the Highest show Himself to you as you dig deeper into His heart.

In Jesus’ name, I lift up ever heartache and troubling mind to you now, Father God, and ask for the leading of your Spirit. You are the Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and we call out to you by that name, asking you to untie the knotted up struggles that we’ve wrestled with. We trust the Bread of Life; you will never let us go hungry or thirsty when we believe in the Almighty name of Jesus and the loving, providing hand of God. So it’s in the name of the Most High that we pray, Amen.