“Shalom!” One of my ministry partners in West Africa often ends her messages with “Shalom!” I smile and whisper a heartfelt “Shalom, dear sister” in response.
Gently gliding in the swing on my parent’s back porch as a soft breeze cools my face brings me a sense of peace. Rocking a sleeping baby does as well. But my relationship with Jesus Christ brings complete and ultimate well-being (perfect shalom).
Often defined as “peace” and used as both a greeting and farewell, shalom expresses more than “peace be with you.” While it can refer to the absence of conflict, its scope is much broader. The most basic definition of shalom includes completeness or wholeness: nothing missing, nothing broken. Other definitions include the words soundness, well-being, and reconciliation. Peace of heart, soul, and mind, if you will.
Who among us does not long for shalom? In a world with so much brokenness, peace of heart eludes us. We experience a profound need for God’s authentic, eternal peace. Complex relationships, situations, and challenges fill our lives, producing stress and worry. Shalom describes the all-consuming peace humanity longs to experience … the peace of our LORD.
In the beginning, the relationship between God and man was perfect (Genesis 1-2). God’s gift of shalom was more than good; it was very good. Fellowship was untouched by sin—nothing missing, nothing broken. But in Genesis 3, sin entered the picture and broke the beautiful shalom peace between God and humanity.
Thankfully, God already had a plan. Later in the same chapter (Genesis 3), God promises a Savior. Our Redeemer would bridge the broken relationship. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the ultimate defeat came for Satan and sin. Jesus made the way to restore our relationship with God. We can experience shalom peace (nothing missing – nothing broken) with God because Jesus paid our sin debt.
Everyone struggles to find peace at some point in their lives. The enemy loves to bombard our minds with doubt. Just as in the Garden of Eden, he whispers lies. He attempts to rob us of peace of mind, stealing our joy and hampering the effectiveness of our witness. However, Satan is powerless in the presence of our Savior. Call on Jesus. Ask Him for deliverance from the enemy’s attack. Ask Him to give you the shalom peace for which you long. Petition others to pray for you. Finally, believe and receive His peace.
Genuine shalom is found in Christ alone. I pray you know Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, as your personal Savior. If you are struggling with anything today, I implore our Lord to touch your heart, draw you to Himself, and grant you His peace.
Shalom, sweet friends. Shalom!
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
“Now, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“ Romans 15:13 HCSB