I came across this verse really because I was praying over my family.
Honestly, I was taking a walk and talking to God in a rather vocal way. I'm sure my neighbors know me as the crazy lady who strolls the neighborhood because my walks lately have turned into prayer and praise time. Sometimes I don't even notice how loud I'm getting, but I'm all about claiming God over areas of our lives.
And that's what I was doing last week.
I'd been praying over what name and verse to use for Week #14, but I couldn't hardly hear myself over the loud voices of my three little angles who were being less than angelic at the moment. Frustrated, I took to my walk. See. I know God gives us peace. He's promised it. But I don't simply want an internal peace, I want peace in my family, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.
So as I walked I began to claim that peace, and His name Jehovah Shalom rushed to mind. He's not simply our peace, but the peace in families, in our work places, in our churches...Jehovah Shalom--The Lord IS Peace.
But we need to invite Him into those unsettled places. We need to do what that verse says. (See, it's talking to us, not pointing the finger to others). We turn from evil (reacting in anger, gossipping, not extending grace) and we do good (patience, kind words, forgiveness). We seek out peace (the Lord IS peace) and work to maintain it...keep ourself in His Word, stay close to Him, put on His character.
And we claim His name over it all. Remember:
No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Jeremiah 10:6
We all have areas in our lives that need peace. I am determined that peace will reign in our home, and I've begun to claim that daily, speaking the name Jehovah Shalom over my doorways, my children, even my dog (he's crazy, he could use some peace). I've been using this verse as a training tool to remind me what I need to do.
I pray this verse gets into you too. That it attaches to your mind and soul and the Holy Spirit recalls it when you need it most.
And I want to encourage you--keep learning! His Word never returns void. Blanket yourself with it:)
Happy Wednesday, friends!
Um yeah...here's the thing about that verse: it includes the word "work." :) I was complaining to my parents recently about someone I'm in contact with most days of the week who, well, irritates me. My attitude has NOT been awesome. But my Mom reminded me that God calls us to unity...and that peace isn't just a nice thing we experience now and then but something we have to choose. So if I want peace when I'm around this person, then it's my responsibility to pray about it, choose the right attitude and honor God.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a good verse!
HA! Love your honesty, Melissa. And yeah, it is on us to make that choice. Even with it's so, so, so hard;)
DeleteYou're right, His word never returns void.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Oh, how I crave peace! Thank you for this verse to commit to memory, and for what you've shared here. :)
ReplyDelete