Experiencing God's Presence #237

Experiencing God's Presence #237

A child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Long ago in Eden, we had shalom. The familiar translation of this Hebrew word is “peace,” but it means so much more than that: fullness, wholeness, abundance, a sense that things are right, a state of well-being in every area of life. It’s that feeling of rest and satisfaction we expect to have when every item is crossed off a to-do list, or when we finally get away from it all on that perfect vacation, or when that big dream is fulfilled and life seems right again. This shalom is what we’re all striving for, but the reason we have to strive is that we lost it long ago. In Eden, we had it all without any sense of lack. Now we don’t. Our desire for shalom drives us relentlessly toward whatever we think we need for fulfillment.

Scripture tells us that Jesus is our Prince of Shalom. We can’t get it apart from Him. We may strive for wholeness, fulfillment, abundance, and well-being in all sorts of ways, but we won’t find it unless He’s at the center of our search. Wherever He is, there’s shalom. He’s the one who gives it.

One of the great benefits of His Presence is that the shalom we lost in Eden is restored to us. That’s why so many people who sense the Lord simultaneously have a sense of great peace. He stills restless hearts and fills empty ones. Whenever we have a restless or empty heart, the solution isn’t to seek peace or fulfillment; it’s to seek Him. His Presence provides what we’re looking for. He Himself is the environment of Eden that we seek. He is where our hearts find rest.

Jesus, You are my peace, my completeness, my shalom. I realize I won’t get what I’m looking for in anyone or anything else. Help me find my rest in You.