WEEK 5, DAY 29: SHALOM
Scripture Reference: Luke 13:10-17
The word shalom is spoken frequently throughout the nation of Israel and around the world. This blessing of peace, health, wholeness and completeness is released every time the Jewish people meet and depart. Instead of hello and goodbye, they simply say, “Shalom.” With every new encounter, a blessing of peace is being spoken and received!
Can you imagine someone speaking peace to you every time you meet? Wouldn’t it be absolutely amazing after a crazy, busy, whirlwind day to hear someone say “peace”? Even better—wouldn’t it be over-the-top incredible to speak peace to someone who is experiencing anxiety and a feeling of being overwhelmed?
PEACE BE STILL
I am reminded of the Biblical account of when the disciples found themselves in the midst of a storm on the Sea of Galilee. As the boat started filling with water and the winds increased, so did the anxiety and fear of the disciples. They were terrified! Actually, they were afraid for their lives. What powerful thing did Jesus do to save them from this life-threatening event? He spoke three simple words. The Lord spoke to the storm, “Peace be still.” Peace! He released peace!
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‘Peace, be still.’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
The once raging sea was replaced instantaneously with calm, glass like waters and there was peace!
How often do we find ourselves in situations that bring us fear, worry, and anxiety? Recently, I became anxious about a situation until I started to feel hopeless and defeated. Before I allowed my feelings to completely take over, I reached for the Word of God. Here is what I found:
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
SHALOM!
We all have a choice to make when things happen out of our control. We can worry and become anxious or we can pray, seek Him, trust in Him and receive His peace. What power is found in His peace!
— Dena Dennis, VP of Leader Development, Aglow International
TIME TO CONTEMPLATE:
- Since the words Jesus spoke were powerful enough to silence a storm, what impact does our words have?
- What would happen if we spoke peace over our cities, our schools, our government, our nation, etc?
- Today, what situation is causing you anxiety?
- Pray. Trust Him. Speak peace.
PRAY:
Father, I thank You, that we can rest in You and have peace even when our circumstances appear hopeless. I thank You, that Your peace is powerful! I am grateful that we can speak peace to the raging waves in our lives and see the waters become smooth. Father, I pray that You release Your shalom peace to everyone reading this devotion. I speak peace to every fear, worry, and anxiety. Peace be still! In Jesus name! Amen!
Shalom!
