FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR PEACE

Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God ! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” (Judges 6:22, 23 ESV)

Peace is an interesting word - everyone talks about it but no one can do anything about it.  With ever round of "peace talks" new violence breaks out just as fast.  I find it interesting - if you ever go with me to Israel - one of the phrases that you will hear over and over in greeting one another is "Shalom."  When we greet we say "hello" or "good-bye" but they use the word "Shalom" both to say "hello" and "good-bye."  I thought the word simply meant "peace" which was kind of a paradox to me in a war torn nation but as I began to study out the word I found a wealth of information that helped me to get a better understanding of this simple word "Shalom."

I love the Hebrew word that we call peace, because it has a bounty of meaning that is often lost in the translation. SHALOM means well-being, fullness and plenty, peace of mind, rest in God’s favor. It is a word that almost defies definition. It holds such beauty that English equivalents are powerless to convey its range of blessedness.

If there was one thing the Hebrews of Gideon’s day didn't have, it was peace.  Enemy raiders were everywhere, and the nation was under continual oppression.  When an angel sent from God addressed Gideon as “mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12), Gideon was astonished and poured out his frustration before this strange visitor. When the angel spoke the benediction “Peace be with you,” Gideon was moved to build an altar proclaiming that God was the God of Shalom - the God of "completeness" in every area of his life - physically, spiritually, mentally, etc.

Gideon expressed the only hope for God’s people was the "completeness/ shalom" of God. In their extremity, God was their strength. In their need, He was their sufficiency. In times of persecution and war, He was Jehovah-Shalom. “I will be with you,” was the Lord’s message to Gideon. Victory was assured.

Perhaps peace is eluding right now.  It might be that you are living with anxiousness about what is happening in your life over your family or your job or your personal life.  God is you "shalom" - God is your completeness/ peace.

Notice these two verses that will help us from the New Testament:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

Ask God to be your "shalom" today.  Ask Him to touch every part of your being - in spite of what is going on.  Remember that peace doesn't necessarily mean that there will be the absence of war but it does mean that in the midst of whatever you are going through - you will have peace.  May God be your "shalom" to you right now.  Amen.