The rich meaning found within Hebrew names is heavy with substance. But not just substance regarding the tangible, substance regarding the intangible. Issachar – the fifth son listed in Exodus 1:5. Number 5 represents God’s grace, and the meaning of this name speaks directly to the grace of God – He will bring a reward.
Behold, the Lord God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him (Isaiah 40:10 AMP). Jehovah El Gemul – The Lord God of Rewards:
“I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call
the descendants of Jacob to a fruitless service, saying, ‘Seek Me for nothing!
I promised them a just reward! I, the Lord, speak righteousness – the Truth:
Trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words; I
declare things that are right,” Isaiah 45:19 AMP.
If we would look for God everywhere, in everything, He will surely be found. This is a practice – an inclination, a tendency, a habit, an affection, a preference, an appetite…
There is a saying “Eat to Live, or Live to Eat.” The first speaks about healthier choices, the other indulging the flesh. Unfortunately, whether physically or spiritually our soul – our intellect, emotions and will – becomes consumed. And there are only two sources – Good or Evil, Blessings or Curses.
Psalm 23 vs 5 tells us: The Lord has prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies. We need only faith to taste and see the Lord our God is good! (Psalm 34:8a). While the flip side – the tail: The world has set an enticing table before us. However, mammon is needed – a debasing influence – to acquire the material wealth and possessions a person receives from the world.
Psalm 34:8 continues: Blessed, happy, fortunate are they who trust and take refuge in the Lord. However, the self-righteous, the arrogant, the greedy have allowed themselves to become the accursed for they choose to wander from God and His Word (Psalm 119:21 AMP), which says, “You shall not be in possession of an abomination – an idol – lest you become an accursed thing like it,” Deuteronomy 7:26).
Yes, the perverse (Proverb 3:32) and the unjust (Proverb 29:26:7) are abominations to the Lord, but so too are – the proud in spirit that overestimates themselves and underestimates others, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift to run toward evil, a false witness who lies even under oath, and those who sow discord (Proverb 6:16-19 AMP).
At one time or another by the choices that were made, we allowed the evil influences of this world to count us among its number, the accursed ones. But God so loves He has covered a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 AMP) so the Lord could count us as His brethren (Matthew 12:50), those who do the will of God – serving the Lord wholeheartedly (Ephesians 6:7).
God not only offers us a reward – distinction, honor, support – He also provides us recompense – atonement, remittance, retribution. The first thing God does is love. He does not want anyone to perish; instead, that everyone would find the willingness to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). For then, Truth would be found – God’s perfect love drives out fear, for there is no fear in Love (1 John 4:18).
God so loves He has given us His Word so we can know and experience the flip side – the Head – fear of the Lord – the wonder, amazement, awe, reverence, honor, admiration, appreciation, delight, worship of and for the Lord. Sadly, these are not things we are inclined to do naturally. Our inner being must be awakened and develop a hunger to know God and His Word of Truth.
TRUTH: God sent His Word to produce the fruit of righteousness and accomplish all that our heavenly Father wants, for joy and peace prospers everywhere His Word is sent (Isaiah 55:11). However, when Truth is embraced, a miraculous intervention occurs. Holy Spirit sets us before the Way where the Life of eternal abundance will be found, for the Truth reveals just how glorious and gracious our God is.
Christ Jesus, God’s Word of Truth, has no problem revealing how the choices people make cause them to be numbered among the rebels, the accursed ones. However, God’s Word of Life reveals the joy of the Lord – the Good, Good News – our heavenly Father no longer counts our sins against us (2 Corinthians 5:19). The world’s playing fields have been leveled, and God shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11).
We are invited to come as we are and partake of the Lord – God’s Word of Truth – can be personally known and experienced, for there is no want for those who fear the Lord, who truly revere and worship Him. For worship opens doors to all His goodness (Psalm 34:9 Message).
Here is a truth I discovered about fear. Fear will bring us to a place where what we think about ourselves cannot be reconciled with how we feel about ourselves. A state of internal turmoil. Being engulfed by past events is not a place for peaceful dwelling; instead, a place of isolation where acceptance, validation and approval become dislodged giving way for anxiety disorders or PTSD to come upon us.
Seeking control in uncontrollable circumstances works against us because it’s powered to break us, to throw us to the ground to be kicked around until death seems the only answer. When we are focused on our own ability, we are at a place of disadvantage unable to comprehend our weaknesses will reveal our greatest Strength to break through and break free – God’s grace.
God’s Word assures, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness,” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
It was two years before I experienced breakthrough, when I discovered PTSD had set me on a journey to experience disturbing and unfamiliar things about myself. A journey where fear is intensified, not relieved. Why? Though I professed to have faith and hope and trust in the Lord, and I really did, they were deeply rooted, anchored in personality and character deficits of which I was unaware.
At the time, I had been a Christian for almost twenty years. As Christians, we sincerely profess the faith and hope and love we feel for God and His Word, Christ Jesus; however, we continue to lean on our own understanding. As a result, we continue to eat the fruit of deception: Denial, blame shifting, comparison, rationalizing, avoidance, minimizing, compliance or people-pleasing, manipulation…instead of just doing what our faith encourages – remain still, trust God’s got it and know He’s in control.
I would not wish such a disturbing experience as PTSD on anyone, when thoughts and emotions refuse to be stilled, that is why I write about God and His Word because They never left my side. I had a Pastor show his support by questioning my salvation, but this was a fear I absolutely refused to agree with. What I got through and what I have learned as a result are because of God’s support, His guidance and revelation.
Yes, the Lord accompanied me along that horrendous journey, He may have shaken His head at behavior I couldn’t seem to manage, but He never spoke a discouraging or discrediting or harm-filled word. Instead, what God’s Word of Truth bestows – kindness and grace and unconditional love. I could stop trying so hard to belong, to please, to earn – I could learn to be a child of God.
I discovered my battle was with codependency. Some symptoms of Codependency include:
- Over-functioning or doing more than your fair share
- Having bad thoughts about yourself
- Tolerating bad behavior to avoid being alone or avoid conflict
- Taking responsibility for other people’s bad behavior
- Becoming upset when people don’t take your advice
- Getting caught up in other people’s drama
- Putting yourself down, to bring someone up
- Feeling of not being good enough
- Fear of being alone or abandoned
- Feeling selfish, or guilty for not meeting the needs of others
- Saying “yes” when you really mean “no”
- Having an addict, abuser or narcissist in your life
- Approval seeking, or people pleasing
An AI Overview: Codependency and “chameleon” behavior are linked. Individuals with codependency, even those with codependent traits, often exhibit chameleon-like tendencies, adapting their behavior to fit in with others to gain approval and acceptance. This adaptation is often driven by a need for validation and a lack of a strong sense of self. Essentially, codependents may lose sight of their own values and needs in an attempt to please others, leading to a chameleon-like shifting of behavior and identity.
James 1:5 tells us if we need wisdom, just ask God, He is most generous and will reveal what we need to know so we are no longer hindered by unawareness. However, we’re also told when we ask God, be sure our faith is in Him alone. One indicator of our falling short of this directive, when our issues of control cause us to take back what we’ve given to God. Did I really trust myself more than God? Seems that was the case.
Here is an amazing discovery not only to be known but experienced – God always, not sometimes to catch us off guard, but always says what He means, and does what He says. Yes, He wants to show us a more excellent Way because He loves us. He wants us to experience an abundance of Life trusting not controlling, Spirit-filled not fearful, content not craving, with soundness not compulsion since consequence not condemnation is what we will experience when God is in our corner.
Compulsion is one of the 4 C’s of Codependency, and the other 3 are – Control, Craving and Consequence. An explanation offered for compulsion: the inability to stop those things about us despite the negative consequences that usually occur, with compulsion being the key symptom of addiction. Which offers greater clarity to the fact that Codependency is a universal problem.
When addiction is mentioned right away thoughts turn to alcohol or drug abuse. However, we each struggle with some form of addictive behavior that becomes not just harmful but destructive to every aspect of our lives because of the weaknesses in our humanity: Reputations affected, self-image distorted, social disruptions, relationships crumble, financial infamy, cognitive and emotional unrest, spiritual-self neglected, abandoned, rejected. Countless issues arise due to our addictive tendencies to fabricate, exaggerate, steal, swindle, neglect responsibilities, control, rage, manipulate, vandalize, bully, victimize, violate….so many methods and means to be self-serving.
No surprise, our heavenly Father’s eyes are open to all the self-serving tendencies and issues that arise. God’s Word was not honored so the knowledge of Good and Evil became ours to experience personally, intimately. Sadly, we live in a fallen world where the appearance of evil if not seen is always being reported. Evil perpetrated by human hands. God sent His Son, Who as 100% Man was treated horribly by the evil that dwells in a human heart.
Yes, God sent His Son, Who as 100% God, established a New Covenant to reveal the Truth about God’s promises, to seal agreements with the Life of His blood through Holy Spirit, to form partnerships so the Way to balance, to peace of mind and heart, to contentment could be known personally, intimately in this world of disproportion and contradiction.
Instead of expressing attitudes and behaviors that have been molded by codependency, we can disciple and train ourselves to be God-dependent on His Word. For we have His promise to reveal the Truth, the Life, and the Way to balance the overwhelming amount of evil in this world with the superabundance of Love and Grace and Kindness found within His Word.
Somewhere along the way of going through such great difficulties, the most amazing development occurred, I truly placed my faith and hope in the Lord. I no longer just said I trusted God and His Word I have learned to be still, to stop trying to control the impossible, to stop manipulating myself and others, to trust God’s Word, to lean into Jesus for the support and the help I need to stand firm on God’s precious Promise: The Lord was the same in my yesterdays, He is the same in my todays, and He will remain the same in my tomorrows (Hebrews 13:8).
No matter the circumstance, if we remain patient remembering whatever we are experiencing took time to develop and will not have an immediate resolution. God has given us the gift of time and opportunity we should be willing to offer Him the same courtesy. If we do, I promise the miraculous will be experienced. For God will straighten the crooked ways in our thinking. He will fill in whatever depresses with love and knowledge and understanding. He will make low any arrogance or vanity or self-indulgence as the power of humility and service become better understood. Those rough places where bitterness, resentment, disappointments, shame, even unrealistic expectations dwell will be made smooth for Holy Spirit is a minister of Faith, of Hope and of Promise to be as a sure and secure anchor for our soul (Hebrews 13:8).
Unfortunately, we will experience difficulties, but if we don’t allow ourselves to be coerced by fear or anger or any other strong emotion, nothing can prevent our heart from healing and falling head-over-heel in love with our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – as we experience Them giving us what we struggle giving to ourselves – Kindness, Compassion and Forgiveness,which is one of the meanings of the name Issachar, here are a few others:
Accept, arise, bring forth, carry, ease, desire, furnish, give, help, hold up, magnify, obtain, pardon, receive, raise up, respect, take away, yield, benefit, reward, worth, wages… I believe my story gives evidence God will do all of these and so much more when we yield by subduing our willful heart so it can learn and practice and just do it – magnify the Lord in all we do. For surely then our soul will not forget all His benefits:
- The Lord forgives all our sins
- He heals all our diseases
- He redeems our life from the pit
- He crowns us with love and compassion
- He satisfies our desires with good things
- He works righteousness and justice for us
- He makes known His ways and deeds
- The Lord is compassionate and gracious
- Slow to anger and abounding in love
Psalm 103:2-8
Prayerfully, keeping God’s Word in our heart, in our mind and on our lips will help us magnify the Lord at all times, in every circumstance for Truth has revealed, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 6:23.
Lord, stretch out Your hand to heal
And perform miraculous signs and wonders
Through the name of Your holy servant Jesus
Acts 4:29-30