Worry, how is your shalom?

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This post is part of a discussion on Craig Groeschel’s book, The Christian Atheist, covering chapter 8: hosted on Jason Stasyszen’s site Endless Impact. It also is a snippet from my book RETOOLED, I thought it fit the subject of worry. Also, the Bad Boys of Wool weighed in…I hope you’re blessed as you read! Blessings, Jay

“Then the same day at evening, being the first of the sabbaths, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, Shalom to you! (20) And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (21) Then Jesus said to them again, Shalom to you. As My Father has sent Me, even so I send you. (22) And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit” John 20:19-22

Jesus’ disciples, frightened and confused, locked their doors to their homes and possibly their hearts as well. They saw their master die and everything in their world was seemingly falling apart. Then Jesus walks through the wall (literally and spiritually) and says “Shalom be with you!” That simple greeting began to put their lives back into order. The Lord’s presence and His words, brought a supernatural shalom, a sense of well-being, and what they needed most, hope.

The meaning of Shalom is rich with promise. The word speaks of hope for personal wholeness, safety, health, and prosperity. It carries the wish for contentment in human relations and with God. Shalom is more than a friendly Jewish greeting, it is a relational inquiry and a deep blessing. When the Father expresses Shalom, it is an impartation of covenant promise. In that impartation is a statement that says: “I wish for you a state of well-being that affects wherever you walk and whatever you touch.” The Word declares the “God of shalom” brings salvation to the whole man, body, soul and spirit.

“And the very God of shalom sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Shalom speaks of His salvation, the deliverance which brings peace to my soul. It speaks of provision, which brings peace to my troubled mind. It speaks of well-being, which brings peace to my restless spirit. Such is the power of shalom He brings into our lives through the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Shalom to every part of your being, to your physical, mental and relational life. Shalom to the person you are, to the person you wish to be and to the person you wished you weren’t. These are the walls Christ walks through with the blessing of shalom.

A great remedy for worry don’t you think?

LiveJournal Tags: Shalom,worry,bad sheep