I'd like to share an excerpt from my book for this blog. I think we all could use the reminder in this season:
Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace, and its meaning is profound. Shalom indicates completeness, wholeness, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, and harmony. In shalom there is complete absence of any agitation or discord. Strife does not exist, because shalom denotes harmonious relationships of all kinds. Just reading this definition allows me to take a deep breath, and feel a sense of rest on the inside.
In the Middle East, shalom is the word used in greeting each other or departing from one another. They are saying something like this to each other, I pray that all is well and whole with you. I pray your relationships are harmonious, and that you have an abundance of resources to live on. I pray that nothing is missing or broken in your life.
On my first trip to Israel in 2011, I had the amazing opportunity to spend Shabbat (or Sabbath) in Jerusalem at the Western Wall. The nation of Israel continuously has to deal with some sort of war, terrorism escalation, or political upheaval, and yet their day of rest is an important symbol of Jewish identity. Even in a busy modern world, observant Jews still take time to rest on the Sabbath, just like God did on the seventh day of creation. In their homes they divide and eat challah bread every Friday night; they recite prayers and readings from the Torah, and bless their women and children. They repeat these actions every week, until they become familiar rituals. Though not in a Jewish home, my Shabbat at the Western Wall was exceptional.
There were multitudes gathered at the Western Wall to pray that evening. As the daylight diminished and dusk settled on the city, there was both stillness in the air and yet a holy joy erupting at the Wall. The doves settled into the crevices in the huge stones, and a powerful Presence of God descended on the evening. I remember thinking, It is good; it is well with my soul. I will never forget that moment. It was a profound experience of palpable peace!
How does one find this place of peace, especially in our world so filled with anxiety, pressure, and discord? Shalom is a gift — it was given to us to receive. Jesus Christ speaking to His disciples before His departure to heaven said in John 14:27,
“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Peace is a gift to you. Receive it today. Let peace pervade your circumstances, your relationships, or your inner conflicts. Let peace settle down on the inside and bring wholeness in your life.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
—1 Thessalonians 5:23
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