What’s in a name? Everything! (4)

The name Jehovah-Shalom: the Lord my peace, was discovered by Gideon when God assigned him the job of leading Israel against the Midianites—a position Gideon saw as far beyond his abilities. “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (v. 15 NIV). The Lord responded, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites…Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die” (vv. 16, 23 NIV). A frightened Gideon believed God before the battle was even fought and the victory secured. Through the eyes of faith, he envisioned peace already secured, and he built an altar to Jehovah-Shalom: the Lord our peace. We assume that we can only have inner peace when our outer circumstances are favourable. Let’s learn, like Gideon, that inward peace doesn’t depend on altering outward circumstances. It depends on believing that Jehovah-Shalom is with you, and that will bring you through the battle with inner peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace [inner, faith-based] I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives [outward, circumstantial]. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV). No matter how inadequate you feel today, remember these words: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace…take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). Your job is to “take heart” because Jehovah-Shalom is with you and to trust Christ the “overcomer” to handle the circumstances for you!