SHALOM!

In a world of upheaval and chaos, we long for peace. But the reality is that there will be no lasting peace on earth until our Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, returns. We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6),  ever with uplifted heads, full of expectation, for our redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28)

The great news is that we as Christians can experience personal peace, here and now.

We can have peace with God. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)


We can also know the peace of God. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7) Being a visual person, here is how I picture this. I come to God with my anxious thoughts, worries, burdens, and concerns, holding them in tightly clenched hands. In prayer I open those hands, raising them to my heavenly Father. He takes the anxious thoughts away, leaving my hands empty. I then lift up those empty hands and receive His gracious gift of peace. That incredible, utterly amazing peace then comes to settle my heart (emotions) and my mind (thoughts). My focus is now on my Lord, rather than on the troubling thoughts. Wonderful!

We can also know something else. What more could there be in addition to peace with God, and the peace of God? Knowing the God of peace, resting our hearts in Who He IS, and not only in what He DOES! "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through..." (1 Thess. 5:23) "Now may the Lord of peace
Himself give you peace at all times and in every way." (2 Thess. 3:16)

There are many other references for all the above, so why not check your Bible's concordance and go deeper in the Word? You will have JOY in discovering truth for yourself.


For a wonderful article, "The Blessing of Shalom", be sure to check out the article from Meet Me in the Meadow by Roy Lessin of Dayspring. Subscribe to the RSS feed for more great writing that will bless your heart.