Shalom….
The Hebrew word “Shalom” encompasses more than what we understand the word peace to mean. According to an article found on jewsforjesus.org the word Shalom denotes wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, and prosperity. It is by all accounts a word that projects longevity and permanence; this is God’s desire for all mankind.
Right now the nation is riddled with increased anxiety and worry and suddenly counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are working harder than they have ever worked. Caseloads are at an all time high, addiction is at an all-timehigh, and even suicide is at an all time high and this includesmany who profess to be believers of faith and followers of Jesus Christ. If “Shalom” is what God has ordered for us, why can’t we internalize all of what that means for us? It is because we fail to do (or not do) the second part of that command, “be still”.
This is not to say that there isn’t a time when medication is necessary, and that all things are a matter of a supernatural work, because as mentioned in a post beforehand medicine and doctors are also the workings of God. But we must always consider that we are mind, body and spirit and a that we are constantly reaching for “Shalom” which can only be found in Him who was at the beginning.
When we read the events surrounding this text in Mark chapter 4, we find that there was what the Bible refers to as a windstorm which arose while Jesus and his disciples were on a boat traveling. The Word recounts that it was a violent storm that caused the waves to beat against the boat and this resulted ingreat panic amongst all that were traveling except Jesus who was sleeping, resting. In that moment they felt fear, anxiety and worry and one can imagine helpless and lacking in their ability to save themselves. And so, in their panic they wake their teacher and He in turn utters those famous words “peace, be still” and the storm calms. In that same breath he turns to them (His disciples) and asked them if they had any faith.
John 14:27 says “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” in other words, BE STILL, and TRUST. When we find that we are lacking in our own ability, we need to remember “Shalom,” because it is not just about stopping the storm but making us whole and completeso that we can endure in Him. Our faith is demonstrated in our ability to be still, wait and believe that He wants the best for us. The question remains then, do you believe Him for your storm enough to be still? Do you believe that wholeness and reconciliation is His desire for you? I challenge you this week to meditate in Him and answer for yourself. Remember, how far you’ve come. Remember past miracles and fulfillments of things that seemed impossible. And if you can’t think of anything remember you woke up this morning when many did not.
Pause and breathe