When God revealed Himself to Gideon as Jehovah Shalom, it was during a time of national fear and personal insecurity. Israel was oppressed, and Gideon himself felt weak and inadequate. Yet in the middle of chaos and doubt, God gave Gideon assurance of His presence. Out of that encounter, Gideon experienced peace that did not depend on his circumstances but on the character of God. Judges 6:24 says, “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”

God’s peace is not simply the absence of conflict, it is the presence of His wholeness, calm, and order in our lives. In Jesus Christ, we see the fullness of Jehovah Shalom, for He Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). When our minds are anxious or our situations uncertain, we can call on Him, trusting that His peace “surpasses all understanding” and will guard our hearts (Philippians 4:7).

Where do you feel unrest right now, maybe in your family, your finances, or your future? Pause and bring that area to God in prayer. Call on Him as Jehovah Shalom. Instead of asking Him first to change the situation, ask Him to center your heart in His peace. Today, let His presence calm your spirit and give you courage, just as it did for Gideon.

There are many places in the world today that are at war and lack peace. There are many battles on going between nations and people groups. War is the result of man’s inhumanity to his fellow men. Nations are at war because of greed, politics, vanity and a whole hosts of reasons not fully known. The greatest battle we face is the one that takes place in our hearts.

As Christians we fight daily against sin and the flesh. The battle that the child of God faces is against spiritual wickedness in high places. Daily the enemy will try to destroy our peace and rob us of the joy we have in Christ. We must realise this if we are going to live a life that is full of joy and peace. We must understand that the Lord is our source of peace. The world is crying out for peace today. They are searching for peace in anything and everything, except for Christ; the only One that can grant peace that passes understanding. Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace. Ask Jehovah Shalom to give you His peace, and He will give you the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Today let our prayer be. Jehovah Shalom, thank You that You are my peace even when life feels overwhelming. Quiet my heart, remind me of Your presence, and help me walk today in the confidence that You are in control. Amen.