It never gets old.
I am always amazed to see my frightened flock bound toward me, faces raised in confidence that whatever is pursuing them is no match for their shepherd.
The loud noise may continue, the dogs may still be nipping at their heels, but in my presence is peace.
So often we think of peace as a cessation of hostility, but the biblical concept of shalom is so much more.
The Hebrew meaning of the word includes
- completeness
- wholeness
- health
- peace
- welfare
- safety
- soundness
- tranquility
- prosperity
- perfectness
- fullness
- rest
- harmony
- as well as the absence of agitation or discord.
It is more like the satisfied sleepy smile of an infant, safe in his mother’s arms and full of wholesome milk from her breast.
There is no thought for what might be next,
no fear that the safety he is experiencing right now may be taken away,
no worry that the bountiful supply of care will be depleted.
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” Psalm 23:2
Jehovah-Shalom-the LORD my Peace.
Peace is not a place or a promise-peace is a Person.
Even as I walk this hard path of grieving my son, I am strangely, inexplicably at peace in the core of my being.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvationt through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: AMPC
Fear reigns in the hearts of many-even those who believe in Jesus.
And if I trust in the government, or the police, or myself to keep me safe, I have every reason to be fearful.
But when I rest completely in Jehovah-Shalom, the LORD Who is Himself my Peace, I can be assured that I am safe.
Not safe from all harm, but safe in His love and care.
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