Tag: #Peace

Devotional

The Names of the LORD – Part Eight of Nine

kathrynhugheswriter

Jehovah-Shalom: The-LORD-is-Peace

So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The-LORD-is-Peace (Jehovah-shalom). Judges 6:24 NKJV

Peace. It can be hard to grasp when the world seems to spin out of control. Reading the news is more distressing than it is hopeful. Stress, troubles, and difficulties with other people cause an emotional and sometimes physical upheaval. Fear and turmoil often become the norm. When my focus is on problems I feel anything but peace.

Gideon certainly did not have peace when he is first introduced in the Old Testament book of Judges, chapter six. He threshed wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites who oppressed Israel. Gideon was fearful and discouraged.

I love how the LORD does not leave Gideon in his fears, but comes to him. In the time they are talking, Gideon questioned why bad things were happening and stated, “The LORD has abandoned us.” Then he gave excuses of why he couldn’t be the one the LORD was sending to deliver Israel. The LORD assured Gideon of His presence. “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”

Gideon’s response grows from fear to bringing an offering. When the Angel of the LORD touched the offering with His staff and fire from the rock consumed the offering, Gideon feared for his life. “Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face.” The LORD said to him, “Peace be to you: do not fear, you shall not die.”

So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The-LORD-is-Peace (Jehovah-shalom).

Gideon’s circumstances did not change, yet he found that The-LORD-is-Peace. The Midianites still were the oppressors of his people, but now Gideon had peace because he was listening to the LORD. In his obedience to do what the LORD instructed him, he tore down his father’s idol, he called 32,000 people to arms against their oppressors, and after dismissing all but 300 of them, he led the remaining small army to victory. Gideon became the sixth judge of Israel, and Israel had forty years rest from their enemies. (Judges 6-8)

Picture of Gideon from Kidfrugal Free Bible images

We also can find rest from our enemies and from our own distress if we rely on the LORD. Our circumstances may remain unchanged, but if we turn to the LORD, He will be our peace in the midst of the storm.

Jesus told His disciples, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace by which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1, 2 NIV (emphasis mine here and in Philippians).

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV.  Paul wrote to the Philippians while he was Nero’s prisoner in Rome, and yet the apostle is triumphant, writing of joy and peace. 

Let’s look to God as our source of peace. Let’s share that peace with others. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19 NIV

Jehovah-shalom, thank you for being the LORD of peace. Help me to not be anxious, but to rest in the peace You provide.

Top photo by Disha Sheta on Pexels.com

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Thank you for joining me and for reading my devotional blogs. I pray that you will be touched by God in a special way each time you visit. Blogs usually post every other Thursday and are archived for your convenience.

Devotional

“Don’t Worry – The Gift of Peace”

kathrynhugheswriter

When Storm Clouds Gather devotional series #2

By Kathryn Hughes

“Therefore, do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”…For your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:31, 32b, 33 NKJV)

“In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, what circumstances will I face when school resumes on campus?” That’s a question I’ve asked myself a lot lately. I love teaching gardening and library, and as a teacher’s aide I’m also on the playground. However, the concern of bringing home illness stifles my usual excitement for a new school year.

My Heavenly Father knows my anxieties. Even better, He knows what I need (Matthew 6:25-34). He knows my future down to the smallest detail.

So why do I allow myself to fret? I can’t change my circumstances. But I can change my focus from my situation to focus on God, His salvation, His character, His love for me, and His promises. I must choose to do so, for fear is all too consuming of my energy and peace.

Worry is also disobedience, for Jesus Christ said, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25 emphasis mine) Worry is not trusting God; it is in effect saying we know better than God, or that we don’t believe He can handle our problems. He doesn’t want us stressed or anxious. He wants to give us peace. Jesus tells us, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)

Photo by Ralph W. lambrecht on Pexels.com

It’s time I replaced my apprehensions with something better. Maybe you need to get out of the anxious whirlwind, too. Jesus gives us the antidote. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Let’s seek God in prayer. Let’s confess our sins, and give that worry list to Jesus. One method is to write down those areas where we have been disobedient to God’s instructions or we are sinking in those negative attitudes. Then, after bringing them to God for forgiveness, cross them out by writing “paid in full” repeatedly until the offense is no longer visible.

We can replace negative thoughts and attitudes with peaceful ones. We can write down verses that address what makes us fearful, or what we are struggling with that keeps us from resting in His peace. A concordance helps in finding verses that relate to a specific topic or word or phrase.  Find a verse that encourages your heart to focus more on God and then place that card in a prominent spot where you will see it.  Read it, over and over, until His truth starts to replace the worry, behavior, attitude, or fear with His calm, resting peace

Shall we worry? No. Our Heavenly Father cares for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, Please forgive me. I have piled the cares of this world onto my back instead of trusting You to care for me. I confess this is sin. Your Son, Jesus, died to save me, so You certainly will not turn Your back on me. Please help me to seek You first, to look for Your kingdom and righteousness. Thank You for Your deep love for me. Amen.

Lighthouse in the storm image by mollyroselee from Pixabay