"What is the peace or Shalom of the Lord?"

There is a lot of references to the Lord's peace or the Shalom of the Lord in the bible. Like many words or phrases in the bible, I've read them, heard them, quoted them, even applauded when others referenced them, etc., but never really studied the meaning behind the word--or the relevancy. That was of course, until my study of the epistle of James. As I have moved from reading the bible, to actually spending time in prayer, meditating and thinking on the words of the scripture, and studying the original context, to gain the Lord's understanding in the message--the Holy Spirit has revealed more of the Lord's truth and promises to me. It's amazing honestly, to think, we can read a passage, study it, spend time thinking about it and praying for the Lord's wisdom, and slowly, you hear this whisper in your heart, in the world around you and in people, and start to gain spiritual understanding. It's really something amazing. 

I have spent the past two full months, between October and today, studying the book/epistle of James. In my study I have written 2 daily bible studies (which are FREE downloads) and I'm wrapping up the conclusion to the Week 3 study of chapter 3, and like the Lord, He has brought me to a place to gain empirical understanding of the messages in James. Oh yes, not book knowledge understanding by fire. I've faced trials and setbacks, obstacles and roadblocks, and once again, I am standing in a place where I can only depend on Him and TRUST Him and His words to be true to get me through another season.  I am presently powerless over circumstances in my life--money, career, relationships--hardships and things, that in the past, would have broken me--if not brought out the ugly side of Bobby in my emotions and lack of control. When we can't control the circumstances of our future, nor understand why we face difficult times, we often resort to fear and anxiety. My habit and pattern has been to run tot the world for help and ask 1,000 people for a lifeline. Instead, in this new season, I've put the Word to the test, so to speak, and I've opted to stand on my faith and Trust the Lord--and in my solitary prayer time (of which started as 2-3 minutes per day in the beginning and has since moved to an hour), the Lord has begun to fill my heart with His Shalom--his peace.

What is peace? What is Shalom? It's toted as the absence of war--in the worldly sense of the word--but my understanding is growing beyond that today. The biblical interpretation is "completeness" and "to restore." For me, at this moment, those speak to a calming sense of contentment, in the midst of my trials and tests--to be content and still, knowing, the Lord IS bringing me to a place of completeness, or oneness with Him, and in that, restoring my spirit back to the original source--Him. That has been my experience of peace--not focusing on the multitude of problems that would destroy me with anxiety--not worshipping the problems of my life by talking about them all day, to everyone, but; instead, focusing on Him, and in it--a Shalom I can't explain, has overtaken  me. I can only say boldly: this place is so much better than handling the world's problems on my own.

So in essence, the Shalom of the Lord--the peace of the Lord that passes all (human/worldly) understanding is a contentment, a balance, and a place where I am not torn in the war of my soul and mind--stressing over the uncertainty's of the world and future--but instead standing, knowing, I don't know how, or when, but I know--Jesus, the Lord will provide at the right time. Oh, how sweet it is.

I pray you humble  yourselves, on your knees today, offering all your fears and concerns to Him; I pray you open your heart and plead with the Lord for his peace--for His Shalom--to restore you back to Him, to be complete in Him, and gain the balance that comes with saying--yeah, "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."

God bless.

The Epistle of James - Chapter 1 - COMMENTARY

 

I have heard it said many times—the book of James is a blueprint for the Christian walk. One of the simplest, yet most lacking areas of the Christian life is that of discipleship—or, as I like to say—walking along side others in their faith. It is an imperative aspect of living a Christian lifestyle. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we can be free and delivered from our sins, only to wake up and find ourselves weighted down by tasks lists and to-do’s, or worse, burdened with religious attempts at earning salvation. That is the beauty of grace—unmerited or undeserved favor and love from the Lord. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation—it is a gift. It is a choice. Choosing to receive the Lord into your heart and choosing again to follow Him is the fundamental principle of being a Christian.

This first chapter of James prepares us to face the inevitable—tests and trials—as part of that learning and development. Tests in academics or in athletics, or the arts, are all purposed to prepare us for the “big game” or “performance.” As Christians, we should embrace these tests and trials as a means of strengthening our trust in the God we serve. What good is a lifejacket if you are not willing to jump in the water to test and see that it will keep you afloat? That is how we should view tests and trials—not as some means to destroy us—but rather, a method to prune us and refine us and strengthen our trust, confidence, and faith in the Lord.

James also reminds us to evaluate the status of our own hearts—so we can see and discern the difference between tests and trials designed to strengthen our faith, and the temptations that result as unfaced sin in our hearts. He shows us that sometimes we fall from the choices we make, and those choices are a direct reflection of a sin struggle we have not dealt with. These types of enticement to sin vary from person to person, as each of us struggles with different aspect of sin. The good news—neither is designed to keep you under shame and guilt, but rather—to give you encouragement in your growth and awareness of where you need to step into the Lord’s grace.

He finishes this chapter with a reminder to be a doer—not just a hearer—of the Word. He challenges us to walk away from traditional man-made religious rules and instead, pursue the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord through His Word, so that you too, can become an encouragement and light to those who are struggling and walk alongside others as you grow in your faith. We should shout for joy in the freedom we experience through Christ and share that good news with others, who will turn to you and ask something like, “Why do I keep facing so many struggles?” or “Why is this happening to me?”

Oh, what an opportunity that is! It is such a blessing to have that chance to share the joy of your own personal growth and development, through the trials, tests and even some of the temptations you have wrestled with along your own path! Your story—or your testimony—is the GREATEST encouragement to others. Daring to be known and vulnerable is part of the freedom that comes with Christ—knowing, you are no longer bound by the burdens of your sins, but free to live out from under the shame and guilt of your past!

Be a light to the world around you.