ABUNDANCE OF SHALOM

“In His days the righteous shall flourish, and ABUNDANCE of PEACE, until the moon is no more” – Psalm 72:7

God promises us an ABUNDANCE of SHALOM, the dimensions of which we need to examine more closely in order to be real partakers. The term “Peace” is extraordinarily full of meaning. Recall Jesus’ words: 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” (Jh.14:27).  Psalm 72 describes the reign of the Prince of Peace, in whose days, “the mountains will bring PEACE to the people…” (v.3a).

Biblically, shalom is one of the keywords and images for salvation. This Hebrew word usually refers to a person being safe, uninjured, whole, and sound. In the New Testament, shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ: “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made PEACE through the blood of His cross” (Col.1:19-20). Shalom speaks of multidimensional, complete well-being – spiritual, social, psychological, and physical. It flows from all one’s relationships being put right – with God, with(in) oneself, and with others.

Shalom with God – reconciliation with Him – is the most fundamental. God has the ability to give us peace with Himself or remove it. Psalm 29:11b says: “…the LORD will bless His people with peace.” God once spoke through His prophet: “Do not enter the house of mourning, nor go to lament or bemoan them; for I have TAKEN AWAY MY PEACE from this people” (Jer.16:5). Because Phinehas turned away God’s wrath on sin, God struck with him and his family a “covenant of shalom” (Num.25:12). One of the offerings under the Mosaic covenant is the peace offering – shelamin or fellowship offering – the only one of the Levitical sacrifices in which the offerer receives in return some of the meal to eat. Sin disrupts shalom, but when the rupture is healed and the gap between us and God is closed, there is a celebration, a joyful meal in His Presence!

Shalom with others: peace between parties or the end of hostilities (Deut.20:12; Jud.13). The wise woman of Abel Beth Maakah sustained her city’s shalom, its peacefulness, by averting a siege and war (2Sam.20:14-22). 1 Kings 5:12 reports, “So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him; and there was PEACE between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.” However, Shalom is not limited to reconciliation between warring factions or nations; it also refers to socially just relationships between individuals, classes or groups. Unless there is an end to oppression, greed, and violence in social relationships, there can be no shalom, however much false prophets speak to deceive: “They have healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace! When there is no peace” (Jer.6:14). There can be no societal peace without justice and equity.

Shalom with(in)Oneself: is the inward dimension of shalom. God gives “perfect peace” (or shalom-shalom) to those who steadfastly set their minds on Him (Isa.26:3). This speaks of profound spiritual, psychological, and emotional peace. The result of righteousness before God is “peace”; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever (Isa.32:17). Those who trust in the Lord have inner security; therefore they can sleep comfortably: “I will both lie down in PEACE, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psa.4:8).

Great Shalom: “Great Peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble”! Love for the Word is the key to flourishing in the ABUNDANCE of PEACE. True love for the great Book will guarantee great peace from the great God. Nothing is a stumbling block to one in whom the Word of God dwell richly (Col.3:16). Even with great trouble without, you can enjoy GREAT PEACE within! No matter the floods or storms that may come, you’ll enjoy inner Shalom. As you hold fast His Word, it shall in turn hold you fast in the storm!