The Names Of God Series - Jehovah Shalom

Jehovah Shalom - The Lord Is Peace

In the book of Judges, in chapter 6, a young man named Gideon is visited by an angel. Their interaction would take a few twists and turns but, in the end, Gideon would build an altar to God and call it “The Lord Is Peace.”

It’s a beautiful name and a poignant moment but there was a problem. There was no peace in the land. His country was occupied by an oppressing force and Gideon was wondering about God. What he was seeing did not add up. Why were God’s people oppressed?

Into this scenario came the Angel of the Lord with this message, “The Lord is with you.” (6:12)

Gideon had serious questions about God’s love for His people and in his own ability, but in the darkness of that hour, God brought peace. It is in that message of hope that Gideon asked, “Where is God?”

Gideon wanted to know, if God is with us, why are things the way they are?

Isn’t that your question? Haven’t you asked God those very same words? What does God have to say to us when we feel abandoned and we are hurting and afraid? What does God have to say to us when we are in a dark place like that?

Judges 6:14-16

“The Lord looked at him and said, ‘Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you? ... Surely I will be with you.’”

That is a message of peace. That is Jehovah Shalom. God is our peace and He is with us and will give us victory but it will come in His time and in His way. He has not abandoned you but neither has He delivered you yet. He is there to bring you peace during the tough times.

John 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”