God is our Peace

Have you watched the news lately? This is likely the most divisive season in our lifetime. People are ardently divided over many things- politics, masks, social justice issues, who’s responsible for Covid-19, whether to go to school or school at home. To say that there is a lot of chaos and conflict in our world these days is an understatement. There is no doubt that people are searching for and longing for peace these days! Where can we find it?

Great news! One of the beautiful names of God is Yahweh Shalom, which means, the Lord is our peace. You can find peace in Him! He is the only One who can offer you peace in the midst of all the chaos and conflict that exists in our world.

In the Bible, in the book of Judges, we read about the Israelite’s conflict with the Midianites. They had been pillaged relentlessly by them for 7 years. They lived in constant fear and chaos. It was a terrible time for them…. 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord. Judges 6:6

When they cried out, God reminded them of all He had done for them. Why? So that they could refocus their attention on Him (not the chaos) and reassert their trust in Him. The God who brought them out of slavery is the same God who would bring them through this chaos. (Judges 6:7-9). This same God will bring us out of our current chaos!

The Israelites, including a man named Gideon, were still afraid, despite God’s reassurances. Gideon couldn’t understand why these bad things were happening. (Have you wondered that lately?)

14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” 15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” Judges 6:14-16 ESV

God doesn’t promise us easy circumstances, but He does promise us His presence and His power. We will not find security and satisfaction in our circumstances. We will find it only in God’s presence and power!

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

(Joshua 1:9; Psalm 46:10-11)

Peace doesn't means an absence of trouble or difficulty. Peace comes from God in the midst of trouble, difficulty and chaos. It is in the Lord’s presence and power that we find true peace!

22 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.” 23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” 24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace (YAHWEH SHALOM). To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites. Judges 6:22-24

God IS our peace! Gideon discovered that God, and God alone, IS our peace! Years later, Jesus Christ would offer peace on earth. He offers peace to you with this promise. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33. (John 14:27)

Are you in need of peace in your life? Are you tired of conflict and chaos? Sadly, conflict and chaos are a part of this world. We will never find peace in this world. But Jesus offers us the peace we long for even in the midst of chaos, conflict and uncertain times! Thank God! He is Yahweh Shalom!

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

For much more, listen to Revealed: The Names of God - Part 6 - Yahweh Shalom.