“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’ So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace.” – Judges 6:23–24 (NIV)
Peace can feel elusive in today’s world. News cycles are filled with conflict, our schedules are overloaded, and our thoughts often race with fear, regret, or anxiety. But in Scripture, God reveals Himself with a powerful name—Yahweh Shalom, which means The Lord Is Peace.
This name appears in the story of Gideon in Judges 6. Israel was under Midianite oppression. Food was scarce, enemies were everywhere, and the people were hiding in fear. When we meet Gideon, he’s threshing wheat in a winepress—a small, hidden place—because he’s afraid. Then God shows up.
The angel of the Lord appears and calls him a “mighty warrior.” Gideon doesn’t feel mighty. He’s afraid, insecure, and unconvinced. But God promises His presence: “I will be with you.” That’s when Gideon builds an altar and calls it Yahweh Shalom—“The Lord Is Peace.”
This is significant. Gideon didn’t wait until the battle was won to declare peace. He declared it in the middle of fear and uncertainty. Why? Because peace is not the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of God.
In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this truth. Before going to the cross, He tells His disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)
Jesus doesn’t promise a peaceful life by the world’s definition. The disciples would still face persecution, suffering, and storms. But they would never face them alone. The peace Jesus offers is rooted in relationship, not circumstances.
We often think peace will come when our problems are solved—when the diagnosis is reversed, when the kids behave, when the debt is gone, or when the noise stops. But Scripture teaches that peace is available now, even in the middle of the storm.
Consider these truths about Yahweh Shalom:
1. Peace is found in God’s presence.
Gideon’s circumstances didn’t change instantly. But the presence of God changed him. When we fix our eyes on who God is, peace takes root in our hearts.
2. Peace overcomes fear.
God said to Gideon, “Do not be afraid.” That’s the first thing peace does—it quiets our fear. Fear says, “What if?” Peace says, “Even if.” Even if the worst happens, God is still good. He is still with me. He is still in control.
3. Peace prepares us for purpose.
Gideon’s encounter with Yahweh Shalom didn’t end in a private moment. It launched him into his calling. Peace isn’t just about comfort; it empowers us to live boldly and serve faithfully.
4. Jesus is our ultimate peace.
The apostle Paul calls Jesus our peace (Ephesians 2:14). He reconciles us to God and brings unity to our lives. Through His death and resurrection, the war between us and God is over. We are made whole.
So how do we live in the reality of Yahweh Shalom?
Even if your world is shaking, God is unshakable. Even if you’re in a winepress, hiding from life’s pressures, God calls you “mighty warrior.” His peace doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—it invades the chaos with calm.
Peace isn’t something you earn—it’s someone you trust. Jesus is your peace. Let Him meet you where you are and transform your fear into faith.
Peace can feel elusive in today’s world. News cycles are filled with conflict, our schedules are overloaded, and our thoughts often race with fear, regret, or anxiety. But in Scripture, God reveals Himself with a powerful name—Yahweh Shalom, which means The Lord Is Peace.
This name appears in the story of Gideon in Judges 6. Israel was under Midianite oppression. Food was scarce, enemies were everywhere, and the people were hiding in fear. When we meet Gideon, he’s threshing wheat in a winepress—a small, hidden place—because he’s afraid. Then God shows up.
The angel of the Lord appears and calls him a “mighty warrior.” Gideon doesn’t feel mighty. He’s afraid, insecure, and unconvinced. But God promises His presence: “I will be with you.” That’s when Gideon builds an altar and calls it Yahweh Shalom—“The Lord Is Peace.”
This is significant. Gideon didn’t wait until the battle was won to declare peace. He declared it in the middle of fear and uncertainty. Why? Because peace is not the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of God.
In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this truth. Before going to the cross, He tells His disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)
Jesus doesn’t promise a peaceful life by the world’s definition. The disciples would still face persecution, suffering, and storms. But they would never face them alone. The peace Jesus offers is rooted in relationship, not circumstances.
We often think peace will come when our problems are solved—when the diagnosis is reversed, when the kids behave, when the debt is gone, or when the noise stops. But Scripture teaches that peace is available now, even in the middle of the storm.
Consider these truths about Yahweh Shalom:
1. Peace is found in God’s presence.
Gideon’s circumstances didn’t change instantly. But the presence of God changed him. When we fix our eyes on who God is, peace takes root in our hearts.
2. Peace overcomes fear.
God said to Gideon, “Do not be afraid.” That’s the first thing peace does—it quiets our fear. Fear says, “What if?” Peace says, “Even if.” Even if the worst happens, God is still good. He is still with me. He is still in control.
3. Peace prepares us for purpose.
Gideon’s encounter with Yahweh Shalom didn’t end in a private moment. It launched him into his calling. Peace isn’t just about comfort; it empowers us to live boldly and serve faithfully.
4. Jesus is our ultimate peace.
The apostle Paul calls Jesus our peace (Ephesians 2:14). He reconciles us to God and brings unity to our lives. Through His death and resurrection, the war between us and God is over. We are made whole.
So how do we live in the reality of Yahweh Shalom?
- Spend time in God’s presence. Peace flows from knowing and abiding in Him. Start your day not with the noise of the world, but with Scripture, worship, and prayer.
- Seek God’s peace over your fear. Replace anxious thoughts with His promises. Practice Philippians 4:6–7—present your requests to God, and His peace will guard your heart and mind.
- Be a peacemaker. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” As people who know Yahweh Shalom, we are called to carry peace into our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Even if your world is shaking, God is unshakable. Even if you’re in a winepress, hiding from life’s pressures, God calls you “mighty warrior.” His peace doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—it invades the chaos with calm.
Peace isn’t something you earn—it’s someone you trust. Jesus is your peace. Let Him meet you where you are and transform your fear into faith.
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