Names of God: Jehovah-shalom

In the book of Judges, Gideon encountered God at a time when Israel was overwhelmed, oppressed, and discouraged. Yet in that moment of weakness, God spoke strength. God revealed His name: Jehovah‑shalom — The Lord is Peace.  

Gideon grew up in a time of turmoil. Judges 6:1-2 states, “Then once again the Israelites started disobeying the Lord, so He let the nation of Midian control Israel for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that many of the Israelites ran to the mountains or hid in the caves.”  

Amid the oppression from the Midianites, God chose Gideon to be His servant in bringing freedom to the nation.  When an angel spoke, “Gideon you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites,” Gideon saw only his weaknesses. Still, he obeyed. Gideon built an altar for worshiping the Lord and called it, “Jehovah-shalom”, The Lord is our peace. Gideon, shortly thereafter, gathered his courage and led troops in defeating the Midianites. Another period of peace followed. 

When faced with difficulty, don’t just hope for this same peace; let it reign inside.  It serves as a strong confidence that regardless of our circumstances, God is still present. God still hears when a devoted Christian calls.  

Consider the Apostle John. When he was exiled and faced certain death, he remembered Jesus’s words: “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” (John 14:27) 

Likewise, when life is seemingly falling apart, remember Peter’s admonition: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (I Peter 3:15) 

Jehovah-shalom, my friend, Jehovah-shalom.