Shabbat Shalom!
As we head into Shabbat, I want to take a few moments to talk with you about something really close to my heart—shalom, the peace of God.
I think we can all agree: life gets loud. There’s a lot going on in the world and our personal lives. Some of us are feeling tired, anxious, overwhelmed, or even just stretched thin. And it’s in those exact moments that God steps in and offers us something precious: His peace.
There’s a beautiful verse in 2 Thessalonians that says:
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16
This verse reminds us of something powerful. First—God is the Lord of peace. That means peace doesn’t come from circumstances lining up perfectly, or from us trying to control everything around us. It comes from Him—from His presence, His love, His Spirit.
What Is Shalom, Really?
In Hebrew, the word shalom means a lot more than just “peace” in the way we usually think about it. It means wholeness, completeness, rest, restoration, and harmony. It’s the kind of peace that covers your heart and mind. The kind that helps you breathe again when things feel too heavy.
And here’s the amazing part—Paul writes that God will give us this peace “always” and “in every way.” That means His peace is for every situation we face—whether things are going great or falling apart. It’s peace that’s constant, and peace that shows up exactly where we need it most.
Real Peace in Real Life
Sometimes life feels anything but peaceful. Maybe your week was full of stress. Maybe your thoughts are running wild. Maybe you’re carrying something in your heart that nobody else sees. I want to tell you: God’s shalom is for you. Right now. Right where you are.
Think about Yeshua, when He appeared to the disciples after the resurrection. They were scared, unsure of the future, hiding behind locked doors. And what did He say to them? “Shalom Aleichem”—Peace be with you. He didn’t come with judgment. He came with peace.
That same Yeshua is with us today, and He’s still saying: “Peace be with you.”
In the original Hebrew, this verse in Thessalonians also carries the idea that God gives us peace not just in every way, but in whatever we’re facing. That’s personal. That’s comforting. It means you’re not going into that difficult situation alone. His peace goes ahead of you.
How Do We Walk in That Peace?
It’s one thing to know about peace. But how do we actually live in it?
Here are a few thoughts that help me:
- Take time to slow down and connect with God.
Shabbat is the perfect opportunity for this. It’s not just a day off—it’s a day to reconnect, to breathe, to rest in Him. Even 10 minutes of quiet time with God can change the atmosphere of your heart.
- Invite the Holy Spirit in.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. It grows in us when we spend time with Him. Just pray simply: “Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Fill me with Your peace today.”
- Speak God’s truth over your situation.
Don’t let fear or stress have the loudest voice. Speak what God says. Declare His promises. Say things like: “God is with me.” “His peace surrounds me.” “I won’t be shaken.
- Be a bringer of peace.
We’re not only called to receive peace—we’re also meant to carry it into our world. Into our homes, our workplaces, our relationships. Yeshua said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” That’s us.
Shabbat: A Gift of Peace
I love Shabbat because it’s like God’s weekly reminder that we’re not meant to live burnt out and anxious. He gives us this space to reset, refocus, and recharge. And more than anything—He invites us to come close to Him and receive His shalom.Even if the week ahead looks full or uncertain, we can carry Shabbat peace into our Monday, our Tuesday, and every day that follows.
One Last Word of Encouragement
Friend, I don’t know exactly what you’re walking through right now—but I want you to know this: God sees you. He knows. And His peace is already waiting for you.
You don’t need to earn it. You don’t need to have it all together. Just come to Him—open-hearted—and let His shalom settle over you like a warm blanket.
You are loved. You’re not alone. And no matter what comes—God’s peace is stronger.
Blessings and Shalom,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
