In the Word: Jehovah Shalom

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be looking at different names of God found in Scripture, and how these different aspects of who He is offer us hope in the midst of our grief.  As we study together, we encourage you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you study these names of God along with us! 

Jehovah Shalom: “The Lord is My Peace”

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:1-4:

READ:

Throughout Scripture we read about the peace of God—peace that passes understanding, a peace that only He can give. In our grief, when our emotions and minds are on overdrive, it can be hard to fully embrace the peace that Christ offers. How do we experience peace when our hearts are broken and worlds shattered? How do we experience peace in the midst of such hurt? Can deep grief and deep peace co-exist? A deeper look at Scripture reveals that yes, they can.

Psalm 91:1 states “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” He who dwells, rests. These four words hold much power and insight into our ability to experience peace, sweet sister. This verse challenges us to take a look at where our thoughts are focused. We are able to fully rest in His presence only when we choose to dwell on the Lord, His promises, and His past faithfulness, and not our temporary circumstances. While God would never expect us to push aside our grief or dismiss our losses, He does promise that peace comes when we fix our eyes on Him and when we saturate our minds with His word. If we dwell well, that peace that passes understanding comes.

REFLECT:

1. Do you believe pain and peace can coexist? How have you experienced these dual emotions thus far in your grief walk?
2. How does the promise in Psalm 91:1 give you courage to pursue peace even in your pain?
3. What is one thing you will do today to take a step toward God’s never-failing peace and rest?

JOURNAL:

Take some time to write out Psalm 91:1-4. Meditate on all four verses. Ask the Lord to help you dwell well in order to experience His peace, even in the midst of your grief journey.

Brittnie lives in Sugar Land, Texas and enjoys writing on her blog and other outlets, baking, lingering coffee dates, and soaking in moments with her family. She is a wife to Brandon and a mom to Clara, Camille, and Hope Mom to Baby A (Clara’s twin) and Chance. Psalm 62:1-2 is her go to verse when she needs quick encouragement. She is author of Desert Song, and you can visit with Brittnie at her personal blog, A Joy Renewed, where she shares her faith and family, and encourages her readers to claim joy despite circumstance.

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