‘Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah Shalom.’ Judges 6:24

God called fearful, humble, insignificant, lowly Gideon to lead His people to war against the Midianites who had been raiding the people of Israel for years. In doing this, God did not reveal Himself as Jehovah Nissi - the Lord who fights our battles. He didn’t reveal Himself as Jehovah Mephalti - the Lord, my deliverer. Neither did He reveal Himself as Jehovah Jireh - the Lord who would provide everything required. No, in calling Gideon to lead the people to fight, God revealed Himself as Jehovah Shalom - the Lord of peace.  Gideon encountered the all-encompassing, enveloping depth of God's peace; from that place alone, He had the confidence to fight in the name of the Lord. 

The Hebrew word shalom means more than peace: it denotes wholeness, completeness and well-being. Do you, like Gideon, need to war against the enemies of God? Meditate on Jehovah Shalom - the God who provides peace, wellness, wholeness and well-being. From that place, you will find the security, confidence, strength and hope to put the enemy to flight, and Jehovah Shalom will be glorified.