22 Days of PeaceSample

The Gift of Peace

In the Old Testament, we find that God had a special way that he wanted Aaron, who was the high priest, to bless the children of Israel. It is found in this statement of God’s blessing, keeping, empowering, and watching over the person being blessed. At the end of the blessing, it says in addition to all this that God would give them peace. We often think of peace as the absence of war or adversity. Sometimes we think of peace as serene surroundings or of a place that is beautiful and quiet. While peace includes these things the word from the Hebrew language included so much more. It is the word Shalom. Shalom is a peace that includes wholeness, health, welfare, prosperity, safety, rest, harmony, and tranquility. When you think of all those things wrapped up in one word it makes sense why God would want the high priest to bless people with this statement “The LORD…give you peace.” This kind of peace could only come from God Himself. God wants us to have this kind of peace that is complete and powerful in our lives. Take a moment and ask God to bless you with His peace. As you do expect to receive God’s wholeness, health, welfare, prosperity, safety, rest, and tranquility. As a physical demonstration of what you are expecting to receive you may want to pray with your hands raised like you are ready to receive a gift. You may also want to breathe in deep after you pray as an expression that God’s peace is rushing in. After you have prayed thank God for His wonderful gift and look for that peace throughout your day.

See also Psalm 29:11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:16.