Confident Faith in Yahweh-Shalom
The Lord Our Peace
Scripture
“So, Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it, ‘The Lord is Peace.’ To this day it stands in Ophra of the Abiezrites” (Judges 6:24).
Introduction
Read Psalm 61:2-4.
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the Rock that higher than I. For Thou hast been a Shelter for me, and a Strong Tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever. I will trust in the cover of Thy wings.”
Show the following video, “Names” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City
https://youtu.be/pXqrF1vTzjY?si=EdMy0jhkyZGF_vJC
Worship
There is much discussion surrounding anxiety and depression in our culture. More than ever, our young people, children and seemingly an entire generation of our young adults are facing these challenges. For the Christian struggling with anxiety, it can be a confusing space.
Let’s begin by making the truth clear: Anxiety and trust together are understood by our Lord. To say that a Christian will not struggle with anxiety, fear and depression is simply not true. He invites us to draw closer to Him so that in the midst of suffering, we will be strengthened and trust Him more. Mental health is complex, and some may not know how to approach the subject. Something we all grapple with at some point in our life, is fear: fear of sickness and disease, being fearful in the uncertainty of what the future holds, worry over our finances, children or position at work, and the anxious thoughts surrounding the inability to control a situation.
The commonly known definition for the word, ‘peace’ is ‘the absence of conflict or chaos.’ But to fully grasp the truth of God’s promises for peace, we must understand it’s biblical meaning. The Hebrew word for ‘peace’ is ‘Shalom’. This origin definition is to literally ‘be made whole or complete.’ Prior to the sin-fall of mankind, all things were in harmony (complete); creation, humanity, and God. When Adam disobeyed God, the first thing he did was separate himself from God. He covered himself and hid from Him as God came to commune with them; a relationship was broken.
Our enemy works very hard to cause division between us and God by using fear, worry and anxious thoughts to create a chasm of mistrust between us and Yahweh-Shalom, God our Peace.
Peace is absent when we are living, thinking, and dwelling outside of the presence of God. When we move away from the Lord, our relationship becomes fractured, distance between us increases and insecurity sets in. Not being steadfastly tethered to God results in the sense of being lost and floundering. When full–blown insecurity takes over, fear and uncertainty will override the truth we know.
This is why we are instructed in Philippians 4:8-9 to saturate our minds with the things of God. We are told to think on things that are true, good, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, and the God of Peace, our Yahweh-Shalom will be with us. These truths will bring us rest when we are worn out from doubt and worry. Our lovely Lord calls us to come to Him in prayer when worry hovers near and promised that His peace will surround and guard our hearts and minds when we draw close in His presence (Philippians 4:6-9).
Remember David? When his troubles overwhelmed him, he ran. He even ran from God at one point and believed he could work his situation out on his own. When he reached the end of his own limited resources, he called on God for rescue. We can almost hear the relief and picture him breathing deeply in the words of Psalm 116:7-9.
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. You have delivered me … that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Before the Lord; in His presence.”
We have absolute and unhindered access to the presence of God. From the very beginning, He had a plan to cover us, to purchase our peace through Christ our Savior. The first angel that appeared that holy night in Luke 2:8-14 told the shepherds right away to ‘not be afraid’— Good News was on the way. Then, as the heavens opened and the dark clouds of night parted, the song that rang out in a history without hope, was that peace is here for all.
From that very night to this very day, He calls to us. He beckons us to draw close to Him and He will draw close to us. The things, thoughts, worries, and concerns find little room as we know Him deeply and trust Him deeply. He is your Refuge (a safe place), your Shield (your protector), your Deliverer (your way maker) and your Stronghold (your anchor and security). He is your peace. He is Who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do.
Closing:
Play the following music video, “I Speak Jesus”, Charity Gayle. LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcmqSfr1ENY
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We are filled with gratitude on this day for the plans you have made for us. Help us to remember when our thoughts are filled with wandering, worry and the weight of so much, that You are there. We don’t have to face one dark night alone or figure it all out within ourselves. Thank you, Lord, for Who You are! Thank You for loving us so much that You are always with us; You will never leave us, even when we struggle to find our way. We praise You because we have perfect peace in You and help us bring every thought into the light of Your presence. Amen.
Program Engagement Options:
- Provide strips of paper for each participant. During the closing music video, “I Speak Jesus,” invite the women to write their worry, burden or anxious thought down and place on the altar of a prepared worship focus location. As they place their strips, they can choose a Scripture promise to take with them.
(Suggested Scripture verse are below.)
- At the close of your time together, invite participants to take the attached handout home with them for continued and deeper study in the Scriptures surrounding having the mind of Christ and His promises for peace.
Scripture for Worship Center ~ Promises of Peace
Isaiah 26:3 2 Corinthians 2:13
Philippians 4:6-7 John 14:27
Ephesians 2:14 Colossians 3:15
Romans 8:6 Psalm 46:10
2 Thessalonians 3:16 John 16:33
Romans 16:20 Psalm 29:11
Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 34:14
Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 23:1-6
1 Corinthians 14:33 1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 9:6
Trusting Yahweh – Shalom
Read each of these purposed promises. Take time to read, write out, say aloud, and pray over each. Ask God, your Peace, to show you knew truth and insight. Under each, write out the concern, burden or care that comes to mind.
When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. Psalm 94:19
The righteous cry out and the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need. Psalm 23:1
Disclaimer: Anyone who may be dealing with extended periods of anxiety and depression and not feeling better with time, prayer and support, should seek the advice of their physician.
