Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord is Peace
NOTE: This is a modified version of a devotional for widows in Romania. Even if you are not a widow, I pray you may also find some inspiration from reading this.
When you experience the death of your spouse, you might not immediately feel peace. You might wonder “where is God?” as you struggle with the new reality of becoming a widow. Where does peace come from? Does it come from having a quiet home without fighting or trouble? Does it come from thinking peaceful thoughts? Maybe you experienced peace when your husband was alive as he provided a sense of security for you. Or maybe your home was filled with chaos, abuse or fighting. For most of us, the reality was probably a mix somewhere in between. Trauma can disrupt and distort your sense of peace, and sometimes, your view of God, too.
We read about Gideon in the Old Testament book of Judges, chapter 6. In verse 24, we encounter the first time God is called Jehovah-Shalom, The Lord is Peace. Gideon was fearful and hiding from Israel’s enemies, the Midianites. Losing your husband may have filled you with fear. If you struggle with a lack of peace or with fear, God’s presence will help bring you peace.
Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT says “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Focusing on God when your life is chaotic can help calm your heart, your mind and your emotions. When you feel like your peace has been taken away, trust in God to be with you, to provide for you, and to protect you. Stand firm on the Rock that is God and let Him be your foundation of peace.
What you think about, pray about, and the words you speak have power. In Psalm 19:14 ESV, it says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Don’t be afraid to ask God to help you find peace. He wants to hear from you, even if you are angry at Him – He can handle your anger. Prayer is a conversation with Someone who loves you.
When you ask the Lord for peace, He helps you to overcome the anxiety you feel. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-7 NLT: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
What you read, what you watch, and what you listen to are also very powerful influences in your life. For example, if you watch a lot of bad news, it can cause anxiety, but if you listen to worship music, it can bring comfort and peace. If you have children in the home, reading Bible stories and playing worship music can also help calm their hearts.
Jesus Himself said, in John 14:27 ESV, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” And in John 16:33 ESV, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” These are such comforting words from our Lord Jesus Christ!
You might be asking: how do I find that peace? The answer is in spending time with God, through reading His Word (the Bible), praying to Him, and listening for His Spirit’s voice in you. Just as you spent time with your husband to know him and his heart, you learn to know God and His heart for you by spending time with Him and with His children, fellow believers in Jesus Christ. Do not isolate yourself during this season of grieving. Open your heart to the Lord, and do not avoid going to church with your brothers and sisters in Christ, worshiping in community and hearing the Word of God preached. There are also many online resources to help you study the Bible. I especially like the free YouVersion app which has daily devotionals, bible reading plans, and a variety of other excellent resources to help you grow in your faith and trust.
After my husband died, I began a study of the book of Psalms. I found it to be full of people who cried out to God for help in desperate times and they found hope and comfort in God. There are also many psalms of praise. I discovered that praising the Lord in the middle of my pain and sorrow brought me unexpected peace and joy. I am praying that you, too, will find peace in the presence of your Heavenly Father, who loves you beyond anything you could imagine.
In the TV show, The Chosen, there is a scene in Season 3 where a Jewish man (Simon Peter) has an encounter with a Roman centurion (Gaius) and at the end of it, Simon says to Gaius, “Shalom Shalom.” Gaius asks him why he said it twice. The reply was that one Shalom means peace and saying it twice means perfect peace. May you find Perfect Peace in Jesus today and everyday.
Shalom shalom, my friends!
Jill's Journey: Mission of Hope 
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