We have discussed the different names of God before, but today I want us to examine God being our God of peace - Jehovah Shalom. This name was given to the Lord by Gideon in Judges 6. Gideon was a brave man who was afraid. If you read the story you will see that an angel appears to Gideon. At first, he doesn't know who he is and starts complaining about his circumstance. That angel then tells him “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”. At this point, Gideon reminds us a bit of Moses and lists off the reason he is not qualified to do this. Then, when he finally starts to catch on to who he is talking to, he demands proof! The angel gladly gives the proof by causing a great a fire to spring up from a rock, and then Gideon believed that it indeed was the Angel of the Lord. This next verse is what we will focus on today.
“Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace."
Judges 6:23-24
PRAYER TIP # 22 – Pray to Jehovah- Shalom
When the hour was dark for Gideon, and he was literally hiding from his enemies, God revealed Himself as a God of peace, reminding him of what he was being called to do. God saw something in Gideon that Gideon did not see in himself.
God is still the God of peace! And we can be at peace in Him through the work of Jesus on the cross. God sees beyond our fears & inadequacies. God does not save us & use us for what we already are, but for what we may become in Christ by His grace! And only because of His saving power in us can we stand proudly, stop hiding, and do the work we were called to do.
So, what about yourself do you think could disqualify you from doing the work of God? How does the way you see yourself differ from the way God views you? And which image do think is most true? Pray for the ability to clearly see the grace that God has given each of us and allow yourself to be awed by His goodness in giving it.
PRAYER POINTS -
Thank God for being our peace in the storm.
Pray and surrender yourself to Him, declaring a willingness to do whatever He calls you to.
Ask for the ability to clearly see that grace that God has given each of us.
Pray and thank God that He has set you apart for good works.
SUGGESTED PRAYER -
Lord,
Thank You for being my peace in the storm. I know that in times of trouble, I can turn to You and You will always be there. Use me however You please, I surrender all that I am and all that I have to You. Whatever You call me to do, and wherever You call me to go, I will say yes. As I think about the grace that You have shown to me, I stand in awe of Your goodness. You have created me, saved me, and You continue to sustain me. Thank You for setting me apart for good works. Help me to walk worthy of the calling that You have placed in my life!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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