Isaiah 48:22 “There
is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” (NIV)
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew
word for peace is ‘shalom.’ It is a beautiful word and is not limited to the
avoidance of conflict, but is all about the total well-being of a person. To be
blessed with shalom by God means to be given absolute peace of mind, the health
of body, strength for the spirit, and tranquility for the soul. It means to be
completely free of anything that will harm you and be filled with everything
that will fortify you. It’s wonderful blessing and is something that God offers
repeatedly throughout the stories and events in the Bible.
To be without shalom means
the exact opposite. Your mind is restless and your soul is agitated; your body
is uncomfortable and your spirit is exhausted. You use up all of your energy
and are easily angered; you take offense quickly and destroy relationships
abruptly. The prophet Isaiah even suggests that this is the hallmark of the
wicked – they have no peace, no rest, and clearly, no shalom.
In the New Testament, Jesus
continually promises peace to His followers, especially in times of crisis or
trouble. He is telling them that even when things look bad, God’s peace can
still be experienced which will enable them to conquer their fears, endure any
suffering, and overcome any problems. This is why He also asks us to trust Him,
so that we may receive this wonderful blessing.
Perhaps you are currently
going through a hard time or maybe you’re worried about the future. It could be
that you have unresolved issues or present troubles. Whatever the case, Jesus
can give you the assurance of His shalom to help you regain your confidence,
your well-being, and your strength. Just ask Him now in prayer and His peace, His
shalom will come to you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus,
You know everything about me and all of the things that I face right now. In
the midst of my fears and worries, be my strength and grant me Your peace. In Your
Holy Name, I humbly ask. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,
Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be
made very welcome😊
Today’s image is John’s
drawing of a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version,
click here: Peace.
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