What’s up everyone!! So I have been really thinking about what to write, and I really believe God has impressed on my heart to do a weekly post explaining different names of Him, that will result in bringing honor and reverence for God. I am still struck by the name Yeshua, however the name I want to highlight this week is Jehovah Shalom, which means the Lord our Peace. This name is written throughout the Bible, and it is a wonderful name. It speaks to me because I know I need peace in my life every day.
In Judges 6:24 it talks about how Gideon built an alter dedicated to the Lord of Peace. In John 14:27, Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. It is not as the world gives that I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid.” Jesus is telling us that peace that comes from Him far outlast any kind of peace that this world has to offer. He so desires for us to reach out for Him and to grab hold of His peace. That whatever storm we are going through, He is able to quiet the waves, that we may cross to the other side on calm waters. In Psalm 23, David comments that Jesus leads us besides still and peaceful waters. Sure, we go through rough spells and very tough situations. God doesn’t promise a life of ease after receiving Him. However, He is promising that He is guiding us even through the rough circumstances.
Jesus also commands us to strive to seek peace with our community. This is so heavy because in our generation, we so desire to put our point of views on other people, and communication lacks heavily. When friction happens, we need to act like real Christians, and seek peace above seeking to be right. The only way we can have peace in our lives is if we seek peace with others. It is very difficult to do because it requires honesty and transparency. Both of which, take a huge amount of sacrifice because it takes us out of our comfort zone. Friction is such an opportunity to grow, so let us take advantage of it.
Overall, Jesus wants us to have a life of abundance (John 10:10). In order for us to have this type of life, we need to seek the Heart of God on how He can be our peace. He is offering it to us, and we need to reach back and accept it. The gospel is centered around Jesus being everything we need, so let’s actually let Him be and do that in our lives, that we may exude that same spirit of peace to others. I just want to encourage us all that Jesus can quiet the storms. He is powerful and mighty, and He can walk with us through those storms as well. I am a firm believer that real peace is going through a storm, knowing that the Great Comforter is present, bringing peace to our souls that we may trust in Him alone to bring us that joy, peace, and victory. Let us lean into that this week.
Much Love,
Ryan W.
