Jehovah-Shalom ... The Lord is Peace

Today’s scripture: Judges 6:24

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I love that the Lord calls Himself by different names throughout the Bible. No matter what I’m going through, I can call God by a special name. He’s Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider. He’s Jehovah-rapha, my healer. He’s Jehovah-raah, my Shepherd.

And He’s Jehovah-Shalom, my Peace.

Gideon had asked for and received three signs from God that He would give Gideon victory over his enemies. When God brought peace to the land, Gideon built an altar.

Gideon called that altar, The-Lord-Shalom—God is peace.

Peace has not always been something that I’ve enjoyed. Oftentimes, I’ve felt anything but peace. In my many-years rebellion from God, I would try to find peace my own way—relationships, stuff, jobs—but nothing I did brought me peace.

Since I recommitted myself to the Lord over a dozen years ago, there still have been times when I haven’t felt peace. The storms have still come. The trials are just as difficult.

The difference? Now I can call on my Jehovah-Shalom. Even when I can’t get any other words out, I can cry, “Jehovah-Shalom! Be my Peace.”

And my Peace, my Lord, my God brings me the peace my heart desires.

Do you need peace? Even if you can speak no other words, cry out now to your Lord of Peace. From the deepest part of your heart, cry out, “Jehovah-Shalom! Be my Peace.”   

Jesus ... Our Peace (Ephesians 2:14-16)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:14-16

Jesus provides reconciliation for everyone. Everyone. He “broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” between Jew and Gentile. He brought peace to all people.

And He’s still the Giver of peace. We can call the Father Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is peace.

One of my favorite verses about peace comes from one of my favorite books. Philippians 4:6-7 commands us to: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (NKJV, emphasis mine).

I often speak on Jeremiah 29:11-13, and when I get to the part about God’s having a plan for our lives, I say:

Do you know what this verse says to me? When I’m focusing on God, when I’m asking in His name, when I’m praying for His will, I can be assured of two things: I don’t need to be anxious for anything, and I will have peace—a peace that surpasses anything I could experience without God in my life, a peace that surpasses anything that I could get from my earthly relationships, from my job, from my church, from my family . . . from anything else. Isn’t that what you’re looking for? A peace that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced? Ask Him. Ask Him now. Give your plans, your timelines, your dreams to Him. Trust Him to bring about that perfect will in your life. Then, and only then, will you have that peace. You will have that peace. I promise. More importantly, He promises.

Are you seeking God’s peace? First, you need to know the Giver of peace. And then just ask Him.

The Peace of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:14-16

Jesus provides reconciliation for everyone. Everyone. He “broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” between Jew and Gentile. He brought peace to all people.

And He’s still the Giver of peace. We can call the Father Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is peace.

One of my favorite verses about peace comes from one of my favorite books. Philippians 4:6-7 commands us to:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I often speak on Jeremiah 29:11-13, and when I get to the part about God’s having a plan for our lives, I say:

Do you know what this verse says to me? When I’m focusing on God, when I’m asking in His name, when I’m praying for His will, I can be assured of two things: I don’t need to be anxious for anything, and I will have peace—a peace that surpasses anything I could experience without God in my life, a peace that surpasses anything that I could get from my earthly relationships, from my job, from my church, from my family . . . from anything else. Isn’t that what you’re looking for? A peace that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced? Ask Him. Ask Him now. Give your plans, your timelines, your dreams to Him. Trust Him to bring about that perfect will in your life. Then, and only then, will you have that peace. You will have that peace. I promise. More importantly, He promises. Are you seeking God’s peace? First, you need to know the Giver of peace. And then just ask Him. (Adapted from The Best Laid Plans, © 2005, Sauni Rinehart)