Friday, January 9, 2009

Renewed... Renamed

I have been thinking of renewal a lot lately. I don't know if it is the New Year or the changes that have been going on, that is bringing it to mind. I just know that it's there. From time to time, a song pops into my head. It's not one I hear on the radio, or on my ipod (though I might have to see if I can find it!). It's a song that we sang at my old church - actually, two churches ago, so it's been a while. But it is one I will never forget.

The pastor was talking about historic name changes: Abram/Abraham, Jacob/Israel, Simon/Peter to name a few. He talked about the "old things pass[ing] away", and us "becoming new". Renamed. Then, we sang the song:

I will change your name
You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast
Lonely or afraid

I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness, friend of God
One who seeks my face.


Tears started to stream down my face. I was just beginning to not feel wounded, outcast, lonely and afraid. I was rediscovering Joy. Confidence would come later. And yes, I was overcoming, and seeking God.

As we finished singing, he closed with a question: "What would God rename you?" I just looked at him. I'd never considered it. Yet, I knew: "Moriah". The entire drive home, my head kept asking "Moriah?" My heart kept answering, "Yes. Moriah". By the time I was home, my curiosity was piqued. Of course, you know I searched in the baby names listings to find out what it means. As it popped up on the screen, I froze.

Moriah: God is my teacher.

Now, I've not gone so far as to consider changing it legally.... but if I ever need a pseudonym, it's in the top three.

   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.

2Cor 5:17

1 comment:

Susan said...

I love that song. We sing it at our church, too. It gets me everytime. Great post.