التخطي إلى المحتوى الرئيسي

"YHWH" by Yemi Alafifuni: A Name Beyond Words


The making of Yemi Alafifuni's song "YHWH" is a journey of laughter and revelation, as well as anger and discovery. This song was triggered in response to a simple question with an eternal answer. Yemi shares, "I once heard a comedian ask—if the colonial masters, who claimed to be God-sent, truly knew the name of their God? The question, wrapped in humor, struck a nerve. Angry at the shallowness of the joke, I embarked on a personal quest to unearth the true name of my Father. My search led me beyond books, beyond theology—straight into the breath of existence itself. YHWH—the unspoken, yet ever-present name of God. A revelation hidden right beneath my nostrils, woven into every inhale, whispered with every exhale."

Yemi Alafifuni - YHWH"YHWH" invites us to have our own personal experience with the name of God, Yahweh (YHWH), a name that is never spoken but is always there. Parts of the lyrics were inspired by scriptures, such as Exodus 3:14—"I AM WHO I AM"—and declare that every breath we take carries His name. Yemi shares, "A truth so profound that my very lungs depend on it. YHWH is a legacy - one that will echo through the voices of generations yet unborn. And in every breath, I find the greatest joy in simply calling His name."

The lyrics carry the reverence and awe with which we may utter His name: "I love to call your name / Yahweh Asher Yahweh… You're the God who saves / And your love remains." We are reminded of His sufficiency, power, and unchanging nature. During our worship we may call Him "Daddy," "Father," "Abba," or "Yahweh Sabaoth" (Lord of Hosts), some of the many names we may use that reflect both intimacy and His majesty. But most important is that His name conquers all and endures forever, "The name inside my lungs / The name that conquers all." He Brings into Existence Whatever Exists (Yahweh-Asher-Yahweh).

YHWH. Breathe it in. Sing it out.

(Related scripture: Exodus 3:14; Revelations 5:12; Psalms 10:16)

Connect with Yemi Alafifuni

Tags:

Popular posts

Brandon Lake - Praise You Anywhere (CCM)

'Praise You Anywhere' by Brandon Lake is a powerful anthem that encourages us to turn to praise in every season of life. No matter the circumstances we face, choosing to praise God will shift our perspective and ignite faith within us. The lyrics of the song remind us that in the midst of darkness, fire, and challenges, we can dance, sing, and praise God. We are called to worship even when it doesn't make sense and to boldly face the giants that stand before us. The song emphasizes the power of praising God in the highest, acknowledging His worthiness of all our praise. Brandon Lake's heartfelt message resonates with the reality that there are times when we find ourselves in prisons and battles. However, even in those moments, we can cry out to heaven, stand firm, and worship with our hands held high. The song encourages us to trust that God will bring us through, and in response, we will praise Him anywhere. The bridge of the song beautifully highlights God's faith...
More >>

"Your Love" by Kevin Winebarger - When Mercy Becomes Your Identity

Kevin Winebarger teamed up with Joshua Frerichs and Benji Cowart to create this beautiful song. "Your Love" tackles that discouraging voice we all hear from time to time, the one that whispers that we're not enough and that we are defined by our past. "Once a liar, always a liar," and all kinds of variations along this same line of thought. This song isn't about wallowing in shame. "Your Love" is a celebration of the grace that changes everything.  The opening lines hit hard: "I could believe that I'm not enough // It's clear to see I don't measure up." Yep, we've all been there! But this isn't how God want us to be defined… He loved us first! "It's just what You've done // Because of Your love." That's the heart of everything.  Kevin places the change the God brings into perspective, "I could believe that my mistakes // Will follow me down into the grave // But I'm not who I was....
More >>

'Lonely Dirt Road' by Dax: A Journey to Solitude and God

Dax's 'Lonely Dirt Road' is a conversation that Dax has with himself and God. Dax shares his journey of turning mental health walks into healing solitary drives. As you listen, you can almost feel the cruise, where it's just you, your thoughts, and God.  The chorus is so relatable: 'When I need space, that's where I go, a place to escape that nobody knows.' What do you do when life's pressures stack high? Do you also have a space where you can let go? That lonely dirt road that Dax sings about symbolizes solitude, but it is also an incredible opportunity for connecting with God.  Dax's honesty is raw and relatable. 'I didn't want my family to see me cry… dealing with the pressure of trying to provide.' There are times when we all put on a smile to hide how challenging situations may be. Like his father, Dax says that he finds peace on this lonely road, where challenges become opportunities to grow. This shows the core of our faith: that...
More >>