April 24: How is Your Shalom?

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; 

not as the world gives do I give to you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

The Hebrew language has a very small vocabulary, and each word has a deeper meaning or a greater depth of meaning than what our English language can translate it to. One such word is shalom. In English we would translate the word as “peace.” In our culture we would often refer to “peace” as meaning the absence of war and distress or an “inner calmness.” Shalom means completeness, well-being, health, prosperity, safety, and wholeness to round it all out.  

The common “good-bye” among the Jews was to say shalom. When Jesus was addressing His disciples in this verse, He was getting ready to depart this earth, thus saying, “Peace”—farewell my dear friends. Jesus then says, “...My peace I give to you….”  When He said MY peace, Jesus was emphasizing that His peace is not like the “peace” that the world offers.  

From the words of Mr. Matthew Henry…

“The peace which Christ gives is infinitely more valuable

than that which the world gives.

The world's peace begins in ignorance, consists with sin,

and ends in endless troubles;

Christ's peace begins in grace, consists with no allowed sin,

and ends at length in everlasting peace.

As is the difference between a killing lethargy

and a reviving refreshing sleep,

such is the difference between Christ's peace and the world's.”

The peace that Jesus is offering is a blessing to those who have put their trust in Him for salvation. This blessing is relinquishing control to God and asking God to supply your physical needs as well as your emotional needs. This relationship that Jesus Christ offers to you is the shalom you need.

So how do we find our shalom during this time?

I would have to say arrogantly about myself that I felt confident in my relationship with the Lord.

Yes, I pray everyday—all the time. 

Yes, I read the Bible. 

Yes, I am dependent on Him. 

Since the “shelter in place” was established last month, I would often hear myself saying to others that, “This is fine for my family.” “This is normal for us since we homeschool; we are home all the time.”

How quickly the enemy can take that confidence in the Lord and use it against you. Literally, it was used against me this week as I prayed this verse in John 14.

As I think of taking those thoughts captive, I am reminded of Psalm 37. It is imperative to remember the promise of the peace that only Jesus can give. We have a lot of time right now, and now is the time to make it a priority to become dependent on the Lord.

Verse 1 of Psalm 37 says “Do not fret.” This is not the time to be angry at this situation. I am frequently finding myself becoming more impatient with my husband and my children.  

Verse 3 goes on to say, “Trust in the Lord.” Again the importance of having that personal relationship with the Lord is emphasized. That confidence and security helps me to redirect my trust back to Him. 

Verse 4: “Delight yourself also in the Lord.” How can you delight in the Lord during this time? Look outside and see for yourself. Be reminded that our mighty God, creator of the heavens and the earth does exist. Read through the Old Testament and see how God took care of His people with loving kindness and patience.  

Verse 5: “Commit your way to the Lord,” literally means to “to roll it over on” the Lord. This time will pass. Give your troubles to Him.  

Last one, Psalm 37:7 says, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Giving it over to the Lord and waiting on the Lord brings it back to verse 1. As we go through this time, committing yourself to the Word and reintroducing yourself to the Lord, if needed, will help take away the fret and anxiety. Jesus said in the John verse to not be troubled or afraid. Rest in Him and be patient.

Sometimes “resting in the Lord” can take a very long time. Just ask Abraham and Sarah. Ask Jacob. They took things into their own hands. No matter how long this may take, it is so important to stay engaged with God.

I hope and pray that we can stay encouraged and not become discouraged.  

Have you been able to “rest in the Lord” and find your shalom during this time?

Lord God, we turn to You in this time of upheaval.

May we look to You first for peace, love and joy.

Even though we are bombarded by endless amounts of bad news and data, 

we trust that You will guard our hearts and minds through these difficult times. 

This is no surprise to You—

May the peace that You give, eliminate all fear from our hearts

and may we go confidently from this time on

knowing that You are in complete control of all circumstances— 

finding peace, comfort, patience and refuge—shalom in You, God.

Amen

Shelter in Peace,

Stephanie McDaniels