Jehovah Shalom

Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and called it, The LORD Is Peace. . . 

— Judges 6:24 (ESV)

Just as the angels visited the shepherds the night of Jesus’ birth, Gideon was visited by the Angel of the LORD and he thought he was doomed. But God said to him, “Peace, don’t be afraid, you are not going to die”. After he heard that, he built an altar to the LORD and named it Jehovah Shalom, the LORD is Peace.

Most people believe that peace comes when everything is going well and there is no chaos, no arguments, no misunderstandings, no fear or anxiousness. Peace to the world is when all is calm around us. 

When we know and believe we have all the resources we need, we have peace. We trust Abba Father in every situation. Jesus used his authority and resources when he stood up in the boat with his disciples and said to the raging wind and water, “Peace, be still”. Immediately, the raging stopped. What’s amazing here is that the storm was raging, so much so that the disciples asked if he cared if they died. Water was pouring into the boat rocking it violently. Imagine that and yet, Jesus was asleep on a cushion! This is the ultimate picture of P E A C E.  How could this be? Because he knew his Father and he knew his own identity. 

Jesus was in peace before he spoke to the storm. Sleeping is a picture of peace. He was not afraid or anxious. He is our example of what we should do when we find ourselves in turmoil. Take a deep breath and remember who God is, Shalom. Remember what Jesus said and what he did. Then we use our God-given authority and speak out, “Peace”, from the place of peace.

God’s peace does not depend on circumstances. His peace comes from within. The peace of God is not a feeling, but the constant assurance that can guide us no matter what is happening. Jesus has made that peace possible. Peace comes not by begging God for it, but by believing and trusting who He is.  

Isaiah 26:3 tells us that we will have peace when our mind (imagination) is stayed on God. Think about, picture, and meditate on this truth this week. He is your Peace, Eternal Peace.

“He revealed to us His Name.”