How to Know the God of Peace – Jehovah-Shalom
Peace – that tranquil feeling that flits in for occasional moments and then disappears for far too long . . . everyone wants it but few have it.
I crave calm. No thrill seeker here. I want peace in my relationships and peace in my heart and mind.
But even as we talk about wanting peace, I wonder if we really know what it is? What is this thing we all want but find almost impossible to achieve?
So, this month we’re going to take a closer look at this thing called peace that everyone wants but finds almost impossible to have and keep.
The simple definition is . . . peace is the absence of conflict.
Honestly, that doesn’t really satisfy me. It feels like there’s something missing.
I need to dig deeper into this idea of peace. I want to know more about having peace with God and finding peace in a sinful world. I want to know how to have peace when life gets bumpy and the differences between peace-makers and peace-keepers.
Once again, a word I use often but still have so much more to learn.
Let’s start with definitions from . . . The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary.
Peace is:
- A state of tranquility or quiet.
- Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
- Harmony in personal relations.
- A period of mutual concord between governments.
But the reality is there are plenty of things fighting to rob us of peace.
- Chaos in your lives.
- Worry and fear.
- Relationship battles.
- National unrest.
And when I look at that list it’s not surprising that maintaining a sense of peace often feels almost impossible.
Psychologists say there has been a “dramatic spike” in the number of people who suffer with anxiety disorders in recent years.
I wonder, is it possible to have personal peace? For calm contentment to replace conflict, worry and fear?
Which is why I have to start where I’ve started every month . . . vertically.
The God of Peace – Jehovah-Shalom
The Hebrew word shalom is translated as peace, but it so much more than that.
According to Strong’s Concordance – Shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full.
I love that! That’s the peace I want. You too? Peace that makes you complete!
The kind of peace that makes us complete! Wholeness that can only come from God Himself.
Why?
Because sin ended wholeness. It’s the thing which makes peace impossible.
But God… (Oh, how I love that phrase.)
But God who is gracious and merciful gave His plan to restore peace immediately following that first sin.
“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike His heel.”
Genesis 3:15
You and I sin but God offers peace.
5 Ways God Fills His People With Peace
1. Through Jesus Death and Resurrection –
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore peace. It overwhelms me to think of Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection that removes the remnants of my rebellion and makes me right with God.
My past is completely forgiven. No sin too great. God’s amazing grace!
But He was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5
2. Through the Holy Spirit’s Presence
Jesus promised the person of the Holy Spirit who would remind people like you and me of all God has done for us and all He promises for the future.
The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place. He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:26–27
3. Through Time in Prayer and Bible Study
I need time in God’s Word and prayer. It takes my focus off my struggles and replaces them with God’s promises of hope that give peace.
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3
4. Through People Who Know His Peace
God uses my time spent with peace-filled followers of Jesus like good medicine. It strengthens my spirit and soothes my soul.
Perfume and incense make you feel good, and so does good advice from a friend. Proverbs 27:9
5. Wholeness Through God Himself
God fills me with His presence as He surrounds me with His truth, His grace and mercy, and His love.
We know that we live in God and He lives in us because He gave us His Spirit. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has God living inside, and that person lives in God. And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. 1 John 4:13, 15–16
One More Thing
I had an interesting thought the other day.
If someone else stepped into my life for a week would they find peace?
Would they find my calendar too full?
Would they find my relationships encouraging?
Would they find order or cluttered chaos?
Would they find evidence of God’s indescribable peace?
Is my life set up for peace or are there things I need to change? Where do I need to get more intentional about making myself more available to the ways God wants to give me His peace?
I’m hoping you’ll join me on this journey toward peace . . . toward shalom.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord show you His kindness
and have mercy on you.
May the Lord watch over you
and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:24–26
Now it’s time for…
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I’m excited to share the following post with you this week.
When Bold Living for God Looks More Like Dependence
@ and by Alison Tiemeyer
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Great insights–as usual–Deb. You know, I think that sometimes we need to make a conscious choice to live in peace. I tell people that I’m ignorant when it comes to what is going on in the world. I don’t watch tv or read the paper, so the only way I know what’s happening is through other people–and of course, I receive it through their filters. But that’s ok.
Some people are shocked at this, but I figure that a lot of what we watch, read and listen to isn’t relevant in our lives–or even necessary to know. I find out the big things, the “important” things. And my life is very peaceful because I choose not to fill my mind with all of that. It will only cause me to worry. Maybe I’m ignorant, but I have low blood pressure and no anxiety issues. I’m living in Shalom.
That is a very good way for you to live. I agree that the news and reading the newspaper can keep your spirit confused. I don’t listen to the news everyday, but I listen to it to pray for the needs of people.
I thank God for you and pray that you will keep praying for our country for God
mercy.
I love that, Annie! So many of us get so agitated watching the news but using it as a time of prayer is beautiful. God bless you!
Vertical peace from Jehovah-Shalom is the key to all the horizontal peace issues I deal with every day. I’m always blessed when I visit your place, Deb!
Hey Deb,
Thank you for some convicting words, and ones that I very much needed to hear–especially those questions at the end about having a schedule that is too full. I have some growing to do in the area of peace. The good news is that we are working on it and making progress, little by little 🙂
Yes, the peace that comes from God is the only peace that fully satisfies and makes us complete. The peace I have even in difficult situations could not be manufactured by myself. It has to be from God.
But God …. my favorite two words, too!!! When we do our part to arrange our schedule with the right priorities in mind (HIM first), peace in the midst of chaos is possible! Thank you for the reminder, friend!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Looking forward to exploring God’s peace with you, Deb. You truly had me thinking when you asked us would another person find God’s peace in us. I will definitely ponder this, and pray for His peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings, and have a great weekend!
This is a timely word, Deb. The world right now is so chaotic. I am thankful for His peace which surpasses my understanding.
Deb- I enjoyed this. As someone who has suffered extreme anxiety in the past, I was grasping for peace.
As I’ve grown in a relationship with Jesus the last few years, I have found great moments of peace. When I focus on Him, I can find peace. The problem is everything wants to steal my focus. I’m very distracted;(
Julie
I love Isaiah 26:3. We learned it to a tune when I was younger, and that tune still comes to mind every time I read that verse, which then helps me to remember that promise every time I find that tune recycling through my mind.
That is one of the scriptures looking up to read on the pray line today and i looked at my computer and there it was Isaiah 26:3 but I am going to read 4 also. I was looking and God gave me confirmation for the scriptures for today. I talking about peace a lot because the world needs Jehovah Sholam – the God of Peace.
Amen, Annie! The world needs His peace so much! I am so glad you visited and really appreciate that you stopped to join the conversation. God bless you!
Ah, peace. Even the word is, well, peaceful. 🙂 I have to start vertically, too. It’s the best way and the quickest way to contentment and lasting peace. Thanks for sharing this, Deb.
This is going to be good, Deb!
Can’t wait to read this month’s posts on peace!
I really love your monthly themes! Being a lover of perfume, I loved the Proverbs way that God fills his people with peace–through the sweet aroma of friendship. I’ve seen that peace exude from friends in the midst of stressful circumstances and it certainly has helped me see that I can have the same peace.
Such a timely reminder for this time of year. And with all that is going on in our country. Without keeping my thoughts fixed on God, I would be filled with such anxiety. I am very grateful for the peace He brings me each day. Wonderful topic to delve into more deeply.
Deb, peace…this a great topic, considering all that is currently going on in the world. Of course, peace that is from God is truly different than peace according to the world (as you mentioned). It seems to me as we abide in Christ we experience peace.
Blessings!
Very cute… Nice story. I will share it with my wife she will be happy to read it 🙂
I am an evil man and I have scammed many people around the world. I now wish to repent and be saved! Please help me become a true believer again.
God bless you! I am sure He loves you and wants you to come to KNOW, TRUST, and LOVE Him. I believe this site will guide you as you move forward and invite the Lord back into your life. Peace with God Know that we are praying for you.