What's Your Name?

We all hope for success. We may work hard and plan. Some may even try to attain it by any means necessary. But did you know, there is a way to achieve good success that lasts? Read on to find out how to succeed, as well as names associated with success and hope. Discover the way that endures.

God’s way.

There are so many issues that come up in life. Situations we find ourselves in that we did not plan and we are looking for answers. Indeed, God has a way to give us what we seek.

God knows all things¹ and sees our lives from beginning to end.² Likewise, His thoughts and ways are unlike our own.³ God wants to protect us from danger and harm.⁴ So, He provides principles. His way to succeed.⁵

In the Bible, success is associated with one who is blessed, happy—and prosperous. Psalm 1 presents it as a simile, comparing it to a tree. More specifically, success is described as one who is “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.“⁶

Imagine being like this tree.

What a beautiful picture to behold. One of health and strength—productivity with plenty of resources. Indeed, the intrinsic nature of success.

So, how can we experience this in life?

Having Success

The Bible reveals that success really depends on who we listen to, what influences us, and how we spend our time.⁷ Great outcomes can’t come from following the ungodly and what is gained from evil won’t last. However, when we delight in God’s Word, His way and instructions, and meditate on them day and night,⁸ we are blessed and prosperous.

So, it’s essential to want to learn from God’s Word. To enjoy and take pleasure in spending time with Him.

For example, take the image of the tree. To flourish like the tree, think about what the imagery means (like we did here). In the morning, throughout the day, even before bed, speak out the verse or say it quietly. Read and ponder over the Scripture along with the verses that precede it⁹—that reveal how to become like the tree. Then, ask God how to apply it,¹⁰believe He will¹¹ and He will provide.

This can be done with a number of verses related to success. Also, reading related stories can be encouraging. In the story of Joshua, for example, God told him to meditate on His Word, and he became an accomplished leader.¹²

What’s more, there are pastors, teachers¹³, and a community of believers for support.¹⁴ It can take time¹⁵ but as we focus on the Lord, we will receive what we hope for.

Names of Hope

• Esperanza is female name (and word) of Spanish and Latin origins and means hope, expectation, anticipation.

• Hope is a female name (and word) of German, Dutch, and Old English origins. It is defined as a desire or feeling of expectation for a certain thing to happen; grounds for believing that something good may happen; a feeling of trust.

• Nadiya is a female name of Ukrainian and Russian origins and means hope. Other forms of the name include Nadka and Nadia.

• Tikva is a female name of Hebrew origin and comes from the word tikvah and is defined as to gather together, wait for, hope for, bind, rope—a profound concept of strength that comes from a certain (or secure) hope, clinging to a firm and certain expectation.

Names Associated with Success

• Bernice is a female name of Greek, Macedonian, and Latin origins and can be defined as bringing, to bring victory.

• Edith is a female name of Old English origin and means wealth, fortune; battle—which could be summarized as a wealthy battle, denoting strength and victory from war.

• Eunice is a female name of Greek origin and is defined as a joyous, good victory.

• Florence is a female name of Latin origin and means flourishing, prosperous. Flo is its diminutive form.

• Laurence is a male name of Latin origin. The name stems from the Laurus nobilis: a robust, hardy tree. Its leaves were made into wreaths and used to symbolize triumph. Other forms of the name include Lawrence, Larry, Lawrie, and Lars. Its feminine form is Laura, along with Lara, Lori, and Loretta.

• Nicholas is a male name of Greek origin and is defined as victory for the people. Other forms include Nikolas and Nicolas. The name Nicole is of French and Greek origins, and is its feminine form, along with Nicollette, Collette, and Nikki.

• Nikias is a male name of Greek origin and means victory. Other forms of the name include Nikon and Nicasio.

• Siegfried is a male name of Germanic origin and means victory, peace. The name Sigi is its diminutive form.

• Sigmund is a male name of Germanic origin and is defined as victory, protector. The name Sigi is its diminutive form.

• Victor is a male name of Latin origin and means conqueror, victory, triumph, victorious. The feminine form of the name is Victoria, along with Tori, Toria, Vicky, and Vita.

• Vincent is a male name of Roman and Latin origins and means to conquer. Other forms of the name include Vince, Vinny, Vinko, and Vicente.

Names Meaning Blessed, Happy

• Asher is a male name of Hebrew origin and means happy, blessed.

• Benedict is a male name of Latin origin and can be defined as blessed. Other forms of the name include Ben and Benny.

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Scriptures from the Holy Bible:

1. 1 John 3:20 ↩︎
2. Psalm 139:16 ↩︎
3. Isaiah 55:8 ↩︎
4. Psalm 121:7-8, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ↩︎
5. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ↩︎
6. Psalm 1:3 ↩︎
7. Psalm 1:1 ↩︎
8. Psalm 1:2 ↩︎
9. Psalm 1:1-3 ↩︎
10. James 1:5 ↩︎
11. James 1:6 ↩︎
12. Book of Joshua ↩︎
13. Ephesians 4:11-13 ↩︎
14. Galatians 6:2 ↩︎
15. Luke 8:15 ↩︎