Yahweh: Getting to Know the God Who Knows You

By Ramond Finn

Teens,

Have you ever known someone’s name without really knowing them? You recognize their face, follow their account, or pass them in the hallway. But knowing their name is only the first step in discovering who they are.

You might feel that way about God. You have heard people talk about Him, attended church, or prayed when life got difficult. But have you ever paused to ask, “God, who are You? Can I know You for myself?”

One place to begin is with His name: Yahweh.

In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God through a burning bush. God gives him a big assignment: lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses has questions, including what he should say when people ask who sent him. God responds, "I AM WHO I AM" and gives His name, represented in Hebrew by the letters YHWH, commonly rendered Yahweh.

That name reflects God’s declaration of who He is. You will often see it represented as LORD, in capital letters, in English Bibles. Behind those letters is the God who saw His people's suffering, heard their cries, and acted to deliver them.

What does that mean for you?

It means getting to know Yahweh begins with discovering His character. What does He care about? How does He respond to people? What does He ask of those who follow Him? Reading Scripture gives you room to explore those questions for yourself.

You do not have to pretend you understand everything. Moses certainly didn't. You can bring your questions, doubts, excitement, and disappointment into prayer. Start honestly: "Yahweh, I want to know You. Help me understand what I'm reading."

Maybe school feels overwhelming. Maybe you're having the time of your life. Maybe friendships are changing, or you are trying to figure out who you are beneath everyone else's opinions. Maybe not. Knowing God does not mean every problem disappears. It means learning to turn toward Him in the middle of real life to find an incredible response as you walk and talk with God.

Try reading Exodus 3 slowly this week. Notice what God says, what Moses asks, and how God responds. Write down one thing you discover and one question you still have. Talk with a trusted Christian adult about both.

You do not need impressive words to begin a relationship with God. You need a willingness to seek Him. Those who walk home from school have ample time to practice. You can even sit quietly on a bus or in a car. Go for it!

His name can become more than something you recognize from a Bible page. As you learn, pray, and follow, you can begin to know the One that name belongs to.

“Yahweh, help me know You for myself.”