May All the Other Names Fade Away

As I was in worship, these lyrics came to me:
“May all the other names fade away,
May all the other names fade away,
Till there’s only You.
May all the other names fade away,
Jesus, take Your place.
Jesus, take Your place.”

And once again, I was brought to tears.

I wept at the realization that every name I’ve answered to—every limitation that had a name, like rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary disease, insecurities—even fear itself—fades away in His presence. But here’s what truly hit me: Jesus isn’t just taking their place because He is entitled to it. He is taking their place because they were keeping me from taking mine.

Making Room for Jesus
When I think of the boldness that has replaced timidness, the courage that has taken the place of fear, and the creativity that has overtaken stagnation, I am keenly aware that none of it happened by accident. It happened when I made room for Jesus.

And I’m not just talking about accepting Him into my heart so I can secure a heavenly home. I’m talking about a full surrender—giving Him access to my perspectives, my fears, and even the labels I’ve carried for too long.

Jesus didn’t just want to be in my heart. He wanted authority over the things I allowed to define me. His ability to move in my life required me to get out of the way. It required me to clear out ineffective, unproductive, and counteractive thoughts. It required me to align every area of my life—mind, body, and soul—to what He has to say on the matter.

The Power of Fading Away
The imagery of something fading away is so curious to me. It reminds me of the woman caught in the act of adultery.

She was well-known—infamous, even—for her sin. Yet, her story isn’t about the name others called her. What stands out is what Jesus did. He knelt down and wrote in the sand (John 8:6).

I picture His hand moving through the grains of sand, much like His hand moves over our lives—rewriting our stories, covering our past, and causing every name, every label, and every limitation to fade away.

What’s left is only Him.

What Needs to Fade in Your Life?
Maybe for you, it’s not a diagnosis or a past mistake, but a mindset. Maybe it’s fear, doubt, or a label someone else put on you.

But here’s the truth: Jesus is ready to take His place.

Are you ready to make room?