JEHOVAH SHALOM

God's name, Jehovah Shalom, is first found in the book of Judges. This is a narration about Gideon,  a young man who was filled with fear and felt inferior to those around him. God had instructed Gideon to fight the Midianites, but he could not envision himself as a warrior.  God reassured Gideon by speaking Truth into his heart. Judges 6:23-24, “It is all right” the Lord replied. "Do not be afraid. You will not die." And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means the Lord is peace).

God’s Word is filled with scriptures relating to peace for His children rather than chaos and confusion.

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

 Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

In John 14:27 Jesus declares, “ Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

These scriptures clearly relate God’s desire for His children to live a peaceful life.

Jesus gave us the gift peace, but often life seems filled with confusion and chaos. We have to understand, our peace is NOT dictated by our circumstances or situations, but true peace is connected to our relationship with God. Peace is obtained when we trust in God completely.  We could define peace as the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever.

In upcoming articles we will see how this gift from God, peace, can become a way of life for every child of God.

Father, I pray that You will open the eyes of our understanding so we will see that Your peace is a promise meant for Your children. Show us how we can be at peace in the midst of our greatest battles. Stir up a desire in our hearts to know You more intimately.