Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24

In 1958 Phil Spector wrote a song entitled, “To Know Him Is To Love Him.”  This song was inspired by the words written on his father’s tombstone. The simplicity of these words revealed the depth of character and integrity of one who impacted the lives of those who knew him.  

As we read God’s Word, we discover that to “Know Him is to Love Him” as the Word reveals a depth of character and integrity regarding our Creator, our Redeemer and our Lord.  One such word picture is Jehovah-Shalom; “The Lord Our Peace.”

Over 170 times, the word “shalom” is referenced in the Bible.  It means to be whole; finished, fulfilled and/or perfected.  It is a word that has more to do with “who we are” than “what we feel.”  Shalom defines the kind of peace that results from being a whole person in right relationship to God and to one another.

Often times when we think of peace we think of absence of conflict or a state of emotion.  But in reality life has its daily conflicts, some big, and some not so big.  Our wholeness or peace cannot be tied to what is going on in our day.  So how does one find peace?  One is able to find peace when they discover Jehovah-Shalom; “The Lord Our Peace.”

In the book of Judges, Gideon was facing life’s fearful challenges.  He was hiding away living in survival mode, until he encountered “Jehovah Shalom;” The Lord Our Peace.   Gideon’s fear from the external issues around him caused him to not know who he really was and therefore not see his potential or his destiny. 

When he encountered the messenger of the Lord, he heard the words spoken, those words caused him to become “whole.”  In his wholeness, he was able to arise and face the conflicts and win.   He discovered that through God one can find peace within, that can change the world without.

We have an even a better word than Gideon, as Jesus came and through His suffering, He became our Peace one and for all, by tearing down every barrier that would separate us from the love of God. 

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

The death on the cross satisfied the consequence of our sinful nature and ways; those issues that create the inner turmoil within and cause us to live in survival mode hiding from life’s conflicts.  

As you forge ahead, do so with a full assurance in the heart, knowing, that your Jehovah Shalom is with you.  Releasing a grace, forgiveness and wholeness, that will empower you to arise with an inner peace in the midst of life’s challenges.