Personal Reflection on Qanna

One of my favorite parts of the book, "16 Names of God: a Strong Tower to Run to" is the personal reflections. Each of the 16 chapters in the book contains a personal reflection written by a different girl.

These personal reflections are moving! They challenge us. They are thought-provoking and we are better off having read them.

​I want to share one of these with you so that you can get just a bite-sized sample of what to expect when you read "16 Names of God."

I love how Karen reminds us that, "Over time, our dedication can wane. We allow spouses, children, jobs, and even material possessions to come before our Mighty God. We allow our selfish ambitions and self-centered desires to take the place of God in our lives. But Qanna God is a jealous God...."​

"​The name of God, Qanna means jealous or zealous. It is one of His attributes that, on the surface, would make someone want to run away. To me, this attribute of God is one of a loving Father. When they become born again, people often say they are “on fire” for God, meaning they love Him, have surrendered their lives to Him, and want to do all they can to further His Kingdom.
 
Over time, our dedication can wane. We allow spouses, children, jobs, and even material possessions to come before our Mighty God. We allow our selfish ambitions and self-centered desires to take the place of God in our lives.
 
But Qanna God is a jealous God. We are His bride, and He wants our whole heart. He alone is worthy to be praised and worshipped. He is the protective Bridegroom Who loves us and only wants what is best for us.

I think of His jealousy like this. I love my children, and I only want what is best for them. When they have people in their lives who are encouraging them to make wrong decisions or do things that I know are not good for them, then you better believe I am going to protect them. I am going to do everything I can to remove the bad influence from their lives. It is not because I am being mean or do not want them to be happy and have friends. My “jealously” is because I love them. I do not want them to be hurt or face long-lasting consequences for one bad decision or a series of bad choices.
 
I believe that is how God is with us. He wants to protect us from temptations, sins, and bad influences in our lives. Although He gives us free will and allows us to make our own decisions, He loves us too much not to convict us. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Proverbs 3:11-12 says, “The Lord corrects those He loves. And He punishes everyone He accepts as His child.” This is the way God teaches us to live holy lives. “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our Potter; we are all the work of Your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
 
If Jehovah Qanna were not a jealous God, He would leave me to my own devices. I would be absolutely lost. Thank God He is jealous for me! Thank God He is jealous for you too. He loves us and looks after us like a loving Father Who only wants what is best for us, and that is to become more like Christ. We can only become more like Christ by following God and obeying His commandments. So, if I feel like I am being punished, I may not enjoy the process, but I have learned there is a greater good on the other side." —Karen

Share your personal reflection on the name of God Qanna in the comments.

Read more: ​Qanna: Jealous God

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