Let’s return for a moment to Jacob, alone on the muddy bank of the Jabbok. If he wants a blessing he is going to have to admit that he is a liar and a deceiver. That’s what his name means. Likewise, before the Lord can bless us we have to “name” ourselves. To “name” ourselves is to admit that we are not the persons we have pretended to be, at least not always. Why is that so difficult? Because we don’t trust God’s unconditional love, we don’t believe He will bless us unless we can pull the wool over His eyes.
“The man (God) asked him (Jacob), ‘What is your name?’”
— Genesis 32:27 (NIV 1984)
Lord Jesus, help me to realize that You already know the worst about me. I can’t fool You so it’s foolish to try. Hear my confession and bless me I pray. Amen.