During a recent holiday rush, two men were overheard lamenting over the length of their respective shopping lists. With a shake of his head, one man turned to the other and quipped, “I don’t need more stuff. I just need peace.” My heart went out to these anxious shoppers because—while they needed a break from their frantic schedule—they ultimately longed for shalom.
Haven’t we all been there? We yearn for rest and relief, exhausted and stressed by the pull of everyday life. Perhaps we need a break from caregiving, a day off from a stressful job, or financial help to calm the storm of constant worry. We may crave quiet, serenity, or prosperity. But we have a profound need for the authentic, eternal peace of God—shalom.
Peace, or in Hebrew, shalom, is longed for by many. Biblical shalom centers around completeness and wholeness, as in repairing or reconciling a relationship. And as we’ll see in our brief study of the shalom meaning, the peace or shalom offered through Christ Jesus fulfills every longing of the human heart—regardless of present circumstances.
What Does the Word Shalom Mean in Context?
In his article, “What Does Shalom Mean and Why is it Important?” Jason Soroski writes:
“Shalom” was used as both a greeting and farewell. It wasn’t just meant to wish a person a lack of war or struggle; rather, shalom goes deeper... It is completeness, soundness, wellbeing, complete reconciliation. One of the names of God is Yahweh-Shalom, or The Lord Our Peace (Judges 6:24), and Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). True shalom is only reached through God.
We can look to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to see the beginning of God’s gift of shalom. God created all things—including man and woman—and it was good (Genesis 1-2). Peace abounded between God and His creations, and they enjoyed pure fellowship yet unbroken by sin.
But in Genesis 3, sin broke the precious shalom peace that existed between God and humanity. Our sin, the rebellion of all humanity, broke this relationship with God.
At this point in our story, we are bereft and heartbroken. Shalom has been lost, and our relationship with our Creator has been damaged beyond repair.
Or is it? Could it be that God already has a plan to restore shalom between Himself and His beloved creation? The same chapter (Genesis 3) that breaks our hearts and causes the deepest shame also gives us a glimpse of hope (Genesis 3:15). In these powerful words, God, in His unfathomable love, promises a Redeemer (seed or offspring of a woman) through the virgin birth of Christ. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Satan and sin would ultimately be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 Peter 1:3-5).
Shalom peace would be restored through one man—Jesus, the only Son of God.
Does Shalom Peace Mean the Absence of Conflict?
One of the most beautiful aspects of shalom peace is its independence from present circumstances.
We all know someone walking through grief and sorrow, yet they exude an abiding calm and the peace of God. Others experience a lack of conflict and a season of prosperity, yet they carry a cloud of angst and discontent.
True shalom peace, found through a relationship with Christ, doesn’t mean we won’t have difficulties in our lives. It does mean that God will be with us—filling us with His power and presence. Romans 15:13 reads, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Shalom peace will never be depleted by hardship and sorrow. The God of hope enables us to overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is wonderful news! Even in tough seasons, God provides all we need, the perfect peace to face each life storm (Isaiah 26:3).
Where Does the Bible Mention Shalom?
Scripture is rich with the importance and promise of shalom peace. The following scriptures provide us with joy and hope as we seek God’s shalom:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble (Psalm 119:165).
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6).
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11).
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 26:24-26).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
How Do We Practice Shalom?
Scripture teaches that we are to “make every effort” to engage others in the shalom-peace of God.
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
But how is it possible to practice shalom when the world is so chaotic? When our society is overwhelmed with sin and lawlessness, with people seeking their own way? The foolishness of the age burdened even the psalmist. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good” (Psalm 14:1).
According to God’s Word, the key to walking in shalom-peace—despite our frantic, sin-filled culture—is living in obedience to His laws and precepts. Psalm 119:165 reads, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Shalom-peace is evidence or “fruit” of the Holy Spirit’s power and rule in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
Obedience and surrender are possible by keeping our minds “stayed” or focused on God and His Word (Isaiah 26:3). Prayer and practice are a powerful combination in our walk of faith. In his letter to the Philippian church, the apostle Paul reminds the believers of this truth. Shalom peace comes through “putting into practice” the deep things of God: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).
How comforting that we don’t have to depend on our personal strength to walk in shalom-peace. Our limited attempts at seeking and living in peace are exhausted in minutes. The world’s version of peace is empty, inadequate, and dependent on the moment’s circumstances.
Thankfully, our loving Heavenly Father provides everything we need for godly living (2 Peter 1:3), and He promises to walk with us—providing sacred shalom—at each step of our journey.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/olegbreslavtsev
You’ll find Leigh Ann on an adventure with her sweetheart of 39 years, getting silly with her grands, or daydreaming story plots on the front porch.
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This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog, exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith:
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