Devotional: Shalom

We are continuing our devotionals this week with the focus remaining on Jesus’ encouraging words to His disciples. They had no idea what was coming, even though Jesus was trying to prepare them for the fear and trouble they would face in the hours following His crucifixion as well as the challenges they would face launching the early church.

His words continue to comfort and encourage us today! 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

The word Jesus is using here for “peace” reflects the Old Testament word shalom, which is tied to a covenant or promise kept.

Think about that… The peace Jesus offers is the assurance of promises kept! God keeps His promises; He is a promise keeper! There are 1000’s of promises in the Bible. We celebrate those many promises and the peace they give us as Believers!

If you are having trouble finding peace in your life, then start focusing on God’s promises, including the promise of peace that Jesus offers you! Moses also shared an encouraging and empowering promise from God with the Israelites as they prepared to cross the Jordan River, face a mighty army, and inhabit their promised land.

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

This is a promise to remember when you are troubled and afraid, facing a mighty foe, like a pandemic and everything that comes with it! Remember, God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you!

When you are in doubt, troubled, and afraid, find your peace not in your circumstances, but in God’s mighty power and His great promise to never leave you or forsake you! You are never alone!

At Watermark, we are here to continue to encourage you and pray with and for you. If I, or any of our staff ministry team, can serve you, please reach out to us. Life Groups are preparing to start online meetings and should be up and running in the next week. If you would like to join an online group, reach out to leslie@mywatermark.org. If you have a specific prayer need, please reach out to me at joel@mywatermark.org.

We are all in this together and with the Lord’s help, we will absolutely get through this. I continue to see the Lord at working in many ways!

Blessings,

Pastor Joel

Truth to Ponder

Focus on the Old Testament word for peace, shalom, which is tied to a covenant or promise kept.

Look back over your life. What promises has God kept for you? When have you been afraid and God accompanied you?

Thank God for His promise to always be with you. Pray specifically for areas in your life where you need God to walk with you right now. (John 14:27; Deuteronomy 31:6)