How would you define peace?
Until not long ago, I would have said, “it’s the absence of conflict.”
In a recent sermon, the definition of the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, was posted as a three-part definition.
The last point caught my attention because it paired so well with some of the Journey tools content.
One aspect of Shalom is: “without any deficiency or lack.”
This brought a whole new perspective to me in light of Jesus’ statement in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.”
When we give into fear, insecurity, or anxiety, we are perceiving some sort of lack.
I lack safety, love, answers, control, forgiveness.
The enemy seeks to trap us in a lack mentality, so that he can trigger fear, and then He baits us to solve our perceived problem in our own strength and limited resources.
We perceive lack only when our focus is on self or on life’s storms.
This is why we are exhorted to fixate our eyes on Jesus who is the beginning and the end of our faith.
Fear is the enemy’s #1 weapon.
While Gods’ love compels us, in contrast, Satan uses fear to drive us into a trap.
He knows what bait entices us, and so he uses the power of sin to yap at us in an effort to lure us into handling life in our own strength from our own lack.
But God, who is rich in mercy, fills up our lack with His grace.
We can boast in our weakness and glory in His strength, for when we are weak, His strength is on display through us.
Beloved, those who in Christ Jesus have no lack.
We are in perfect peace: Shalom, Shalom.
Knowing God’s Word and dialoging with the Spirit are two keys to recognizing the enemy’s lies.
We need to know the Truth so well that the enemy’s lies easily stand out and can be taken captive and brought under the authority of the Word of God.
If the enemy is coming at you with fear, stop and declare that you are safe in Christ Jesus, nothing can separate you from His love.
Counter every effort of the enemy to rob you of His peace with a declaration of His abundant provision in your life.
He has given us all that we need in Jesus!
Blessings!
Robyn Henning