Jehovah-Shalom

Scriptures: And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah Shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:24) Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today, it’s quite unusual  to know anyone who is not experiencing some type of adversity, opposition, struggle, disappointment, discouragement, or affliction. The storms of life are raging in our lives, and the winds are tempestuous, but thanks be to God, Jehovah-Shalom, “The LORD Our Peace”, for anchoring our souls in the LORD! Though we are in the midst of the storms of life; depression, oppression, bondage, affliction, fear, and fiery trials, our God will cause us to experience a peace that passeth all understanding! He will bring a calmness, tranquility, and a stillness in our spirits, that is beyond comprehension! When we would faint in our hearts, and become weary in mind, body, and soul, the peace of God will cause us to rest in Him, though trouble is all around us!

In the fourth chapter of the book of St. Mark, as Jesus taught, multitudes would surround Him, that He might expound  unto them the Word of God. Verses 33-41 tell of the calming of a storm, at the Words of Jesus Christ. After teaching many biblical principles using parables unto the multitude, Jesus said unto the disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” They took Jesus in a ship, and there were with them other little ships. There arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was full. The storm was likened unto a whirlwind or a cyclone. Now Jesus was in the hinder part, or the stern of the ship asleep. The disciples became fearful, and were sore afraid. They approached Jesus and said unto Him, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Jesus rose up and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” At the words of Jesus, the winds ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus questioned the disciples saying, “Why are you so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” The disciples witnessed many miracles, and signs and wonders, yet they became fearful because of the tumultuous sea, and the storm of wind. Just as Jesus spoke peace into the storm on the sea, He can speak peace into the storms of your life. While in the storm, Jesus will allow you to experience serenity and peace in the midst of it! We don’t have to wait until the storms have passed to feel a calmness and peace on the inside, because when we have Jesus on the inside, He is able to cause every storm we face to cease. Jesus, Jehovah-Shalom, “The LORD Our Peace”, can handle the “stormy weather” in our lives. Though you may be facing distressing circumstances, the Lord can speak Peace into those circumstances. II Corinthians 4:8-9 tells us, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed. To experience the peace that only comes from our LORD and Savior, Jehovah-Shalom, we must abide in Him, and His words abide in us. We must be in relationship with Him. We must walk in obedience to His will!

Just as the LORD was revealed unto Gideon as Jehovah-Shalom during a distressful and fearful time in his life, Jesus can also prove Himself to be Jehovah-Shalom during tumultuous times in our lives! If you want to experience the peace that passeth all understanding, turn to Jehovah-Shalom, “The LORD Our Peace.” Put your trust in Jesus, Jehovah-Shalom! He is able to speak the words, Peace Be Still, to calm the storms in your life. May the Lord bless you abundantly, today and every day!

Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary, Volume 2