Finding Shalom in our Time

This week our church’s sermon took a deep look into the meaning of the word shalom and I encourage everyone to have a look at the youtube video of it when you have time, at https://www.youtube.com/live/UI1Wm0v-4qQ?si=x03bt_AdbujQiAhp&t=2134

The skinny version is this is the peace of God, not because of our circumstances, but because of our faith in his provision and sovereignty over all. Has anyone had a time they’d like to share, when peace seemed unattainable? Did you wrestle with misplaced guilt about not having God’s peace at that time?

Ephesians 2:14: "For he himself is our peace (shalom)"

I’d like to encourage us to remember that while God’s peace is always available to us, it

is dependent on us to be with Christ to experience it,as in all our focus is on him. As

God’s children, it can be difficult for us to keep our focus on him for very long, and as

his mood disordered children even harder!! But it is a comfort to know that it is there,

that God wants us to have it always, and that even during the worst circumstances of

our lives it is possible to have, even if only fleetingly sometimes. Would anyone like to

share the easiest way for them to focus on God?

For me, while bible study, prayer and service are all great avenues leading to focus, the

easiest for me is still through music. Right now, with the war going on in Iran, the civilian

deaths, the frightened survivors wondering about their future, my peace is often

shattered by what is happening. With Easter coming soon, I ache both for the people

who do not know of God’s unconditional love, and provision, and the people who feel

justified in killing in God’s name. I don’t want to get political, but that is a key component

of this war. If only the people of power could realize that Christ already won this war,

and that our job is to be the peacekeepers. As I pondered on this suffering I

remembered the old Amy Grant song, El Shaddai. The lyrics are so powerful, and

simple.

El Shaddai is a Hebrew name for God, commonly translated as "God Almighty,"

representing His supreme power, sufficiency, and role as the provider who sustains His

people. It signifies that God has the power to fulfill promises (e.g., Gen 17:1-8).

El Elyon na Adonai highlights a direct, personal address to God as the highest authority.

It acknowledges Him as the supreme creator (El Elyon) while simultaneously

worshipping Him as our personal Lord (Adonai). It is often used in the context of

worship in acknowledging God's ultimate supremacy, and in petition, a respectful, direct

appeal to God.

Erkamka na Adonai is based on Psalm 18:1 (except for the "na," which is added)

Erḥamkha (ארחמך (Adonai, "I love you, my Lord.

May we lean on the Holy Spirit to lead us in prayer and song, to plead for peace for

ourselves and our hurting world.

El Shaddai

Chorus:

El Shaddai, El Shaddai,

El-Elyon na Adonai,

Age to age You're still the same,

By the power of the name.

El Shaddai, El Shaddai,

Erkamka na Adonai,

*we will praise and lift you high*,

El shaddai

Through your love and through the ram,

You saved the son of Abraham;

Through the power of your hand,

Turned the sea into dry land.

To the outcast on her knees,

You were the God who really sees,

And by Your might,

You set Your children free.

Chorus

Through the years You've made it clear,

That the time of Christ was near,

Though the people couldn't see

What Messiah ought to be.

Though Your Word contained the plan,

They just could not understand

Your most awesome work was done

Through the frailty of Your Son.

Chorus