YAHWEH SHALOM: THE LORD IS PEACE

Understanding Shalom

The Hebrew word Shalom carries a depth of meaning far beyond the English word “peace,” which typically refers to the absence of conflict or a state of calm. Shalom encompasses concepts like wholeness, completeness, finished work, perfection, safety, and wellness. It stems from living in harmony with God, producing harmony with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, and overall well-being.

In modern Israel, Shalom is a common greeting and farewell. When you say "Shalom," you’re expressing a desire for the other person to experience fulfillment, satisfaction, prosperity, health, and harmony with themselves, others, and God. This makes it a covenant word, reflecting God’s faithful relationship with His people.

When you pray to Yahweh Shalom (yah-WEH sha-LOME), you are approaching the very source of peace, the one who embodies wholeness and well-being. It's no wonder that His Son is called the Prince of Peace.

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Praying to Yahweh Shalom

The Nature of Human Stress

Have you ever pondered the question: "Why don’t zebras ever get ulcers?" This is the title of a book by Robert Sapolsky, a professor at Stanford. In it, he discusses how stress operates in the animal kingdom.

Sapolsky notes that for most animals, stress is related to short-term crises, such as fleeing a predator. After the immediate threat is gone, the stress response ends. In contrast, humans have the unique ability to worry about an endless array of issues, causing us chronic stress. This kind of stress can be detrimental to our health and well-being.

When comparing the English word “peace” to the Hebrew concept of Shalom, the difference is stark. The English idea of peace often means merely a state of calm or the absence of conflict. In contrast, the biblical concept of shalom resembles paradise—a state of complete harmony with God, ourselves, and others.

In true shalom, there is healing instead of sickness, wholeness instead of brokenness, prosperity instead of poverty, safety instead of danger, and life instead of death. This is why we long for peace; our souls are wired for it.

The Story of Gideon

The story of Gideon in the book of Judges illustrates this beautifully. When God calls Gideon a "mighty warrior," he’s hiding, terrified of the Midianites. Gideon responds with disbelief, lacking confidence in himself. Yet God assures him, “I will be with you.”

With God’s presence and guidance, Gideon becomes the hero of the story, defeating the Midianites against all odds. Afterward, he names God Yahweh Shalom, recognizing that God is not just a provider of peace but the embodiment of peace itself.

This powerful name reminds us that believing in God's faithfulness and living in His presence brings peace, regardless of our circumstances. Let us pray for awareness of God's presence and an infusion of His peace in our hearts.

Yahweh Shalom, you are the peace I seek. No one else can give me what I long for. Fill me with your presence, Lord, and give me a heart of peace, I pray.

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Promises Associated with Yahweh Shalom

1. “With perfect peace, you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

2. “I know the plans that I have for you,” declares Yahweh. “They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

3. “But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

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The title Yahweh Shalom encapsulates the fullness of God’s peace, urging us to seek a deeper relationship with Him. In doing so, we can experience true wholeness and fulfillment, finding rest in His presence amidst life’s challenges. Let us embrace His peace and share it with the world around us.