The Names of GodSample

Today we focus on a Name of God that might be quite familiar to us, Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace. Although we know God as a God of peace and we see the concept throughout the Bible, we see this title is only given to God once in Judges 6:24, The Lord is peace.

God being a God of peace doesn’t mean there is no war, nor does it mean that there is no accountability, no hell to pay. God is the one who brings peace by His rule, His presence, and His righteousness. So, when one abides by that rule and abides in His presence, we will experience the peace of God. To be at peace with God is to experience the peace of God.

I would like us to go to Isaiah 41:10-13 because it is a personal favourite of mine.

This is not us asking God to do this for us but He Himself says that He will do this for us. Isn’t that just amazing?

He begins with "Fear not" because peace and fear are incompatible - They don’t live together. We either have peace or fear. He brings about this peace by dismissing fear, by His assuring words, His presence and promises. The emotion that we’re feeling, the fear or anxiety that’s in front of us does not look the same to God from His point of view. He doesn’t see the need to respond with fear and He doesn’t want us to waste our time fearing or to live in fear because what we see from our point of view is the same thing He sees and tells us not to fear. So, it’s a vision issue. But God understands that and at the end of verse 13, He says, “I am telling you”. These are not words of assurance from anyone. It’s from the Lord of Lords, the creator God, God Almighty. The reason we are not to fear is not because the challenges aren’t too big, or they aren’t real. But the reason not to fear is because of Who is with us. He says, "I am with you". "I am in control". "I know what’s going to happen and I will be with you through this."

The second thing God tells us is “Be not dismayed”. This is more of a sense of being disillusioned or losing hope because of the situation around you. Again, what is the reason we shouldn’t be dismayed? It is because "I am your God". "I am the one who brings order in chaos, I will strengthen you, I will uphold you." Mediate on these words today. These are literally the most powerful words of motivation we can ever need!

In verse 11, He says anyone who chooses to go against you or have evil thoughts against you, shall be put to shame and confounded, those who strive against you shall perish. This is God owning your future. He challenges you to go find your enemies, but they can’t be found because He has dismissed them.

Reflect

"For I the Lord your God hold your hand (Isaiah 41:13)." It’s not just what is being said, rather, it is Who is saying it. When we choose to fear, worry, and plan our own securities, we’re dismissing the God behind the words. It is personal. The Lord is peace. Embracing God brings peace in the midst of turmoil and chaos. God’s peace surpasses all understanding and guards the believer’s minds and hearts (Philippians 4:7). Trusting in God leads to surrender and tranquillity.

Take a moment to ponder on these beautiful words from our Lord, the Lord of peace.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are a God of peace and that You dismiss fear and worry. Thank You for the reassurance that no matter what we go through, You are always in control. We thank You for this amazing reminder that You are the God of peace. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.