Morning Devotional 120225 Shalom Shalom

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 2, 2025 

Psalm 85:8-13

8 Let me hear what the LORD God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones. Don’t let them return to foolish ways. 9 God’s salvation is very close to those who honor him so that his glory can live in our land. 10 Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed. 11 Truth springs up from the ground; righteousness gazes down from heaven. 12 Yes, the LORD gives what is good, and our land yields its produce. 13 Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps.

Good Morning! Jesus brings us peace.

Peace! What is peace? Webster defines peace as absence of conflict or war. Absence of conflict is a great starting place, but God’s peace is so much more. God’s peace comes from the Hebrew word, Shalom, and encompasses wholeness and completeness of self and spirit.  

It involves restored relationships with God, one's neighbors, creation, and oneself, leading to a sense of well-being, fulfillment, and tranquility. This peace can be both an inner spiritual state provided by God and an outer state of harmonious societal relationships. 

 10 Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.

What does God’s peace feel like? When “Jesus says, ‘my peace I leave with you,’” it is a gift that invites us to let go of everything that blocks or inhibits our ability to find inner peace. To me, God’s peace feels like complete acceptance from God, from myself, and from others. When I let go of the mess that surrounds my humanness, I find the promised peace and tranquility that Jesus leaves to me. 

The Jewish tradition of saying “shalom shalom” is not just a repetition, but a way to emphasize a desire for complete and perfect peace. Repeating the word acts as a powerful blessing for a person's wholeness, harmony, and connection to others.

On this wintry morning, I say to you, Shalom shalom. Take a moment and center yourself with God. Breathe in peace, Exhale all that gets in the way of your inner peace. It will likely take multiple breaths to expel the baggage in your heart and soul, but I promise that it is worth the effort.

Lord, you bless us abundantly! Peace! We long to find the peace that You promise. Help us let go of the barriers we construct and live in the peace that lies beyond the walls. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Breathe in God’s peace every day!

Shalom Shalom. Pastor Liz