He is our Peace

ByCarolyn E. Jacobs

So Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh. He called it Yahweh Shalom. – Judges 6:24, Names of God version

Yahweh Shalom, like Yahweh Nissi, is more of a title than a name. And Yahweh Shalom, like Yahweh Nissi, was bestowed in the context of war. To understand the circumstances, see Judges 6. In the midst of horrendous oppression, the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon. That very day, Gideon built an altar and called it Yahweh Shalom. He knew Yahweh was the source of peace before his circumstances changed.

Yahweh is Shalom whether or not our situation is peaceful.

What do we see today? War and ethnic conflicts rage around the world. We’re in the middle of another horribly contentious election cycle, and few trust our government. Anxiety and depression are epidemic. Three women I love are battling breast cancer.

In the midst of that, how can I say “The Lord is Peace?”

 

 Yahweh is not peace from the storm. Yahweh is peace in the midst of the storm.

If you’re in the midst of the storm today, I pray you know Yahweh Shalom in ways you never have before.

This study is inspired by Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks. Join us!

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