A sound heart is the life of the flesh . . . (Pr. 14:30)
(A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body . . . Pr. 14:30 Amp.)
The Lord has had this verse before me for at least a couple of years. I had no idea the relevance of it until the last year of extreme illness and dramatic healing.
While I was still sick, I would try to keep my heart and mind calm, knowing that it had to do with the very health of my body. My efforts were in vain, as it is impossible to find that peace of mind and heart while held captive by a spirit of fear, among other ugly spirits.
Since being healed and delivered peace, calmness, and rest have finally been possible. Praise the Lord. I continue to study, learn and grow in these areas, seeking to create new habits to replace the old ones.
In my study recently on peace, this old familiar verse came back to me. It feels like an old friend. I typed up what I usually have in my journal when I study out a verse. I love to look up the Hebrew or Greek definition and make it my own. It can really bring understanding as I study, pray, write and meditate on it.
(click on picture to enlarge)
A few quick facts on “peace”:
I also looked up the word ‘peace’ in the Hebrew, it is Strong’s number 7965—shalom. It means, peace, tranquility, prosperity, good health, completeness, soundness, welfare.
Shalom is found 236 times in the Old Testament.
Shalom is clearly depicted as a satisfied condition, an unconcerned state of peacefulness. . . though Shalom can mean the absence of strife, it usually is much more. It expresses completeness, harmony, and fulfillment. In modern Israel the greeting is “Mah shlomkha? (“what is your peace?” or “How are you?”)
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (Ps. 34:12-14)
The following blessing from Numbers is Brian’s favorite, as it was his sweet grandpa’s. I pray it over you and me.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
don't ya love the depth of God's word. I was an english major in college and I love looking up the greek/hebrew definitions. =0) SO now we know what Brian's favorite verse is....what is yours?
ReplyDeleteI needed this... thank God for this! May the Lord bless you sister. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDitto - I needed this too! While I have been delivered of fear, I'm realizing that I still need MORE deliverance in this area! I want it to be completely gone!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this!
CooperKelly ;-) How could you possibly ask me what my favorite verse is?? Are you kidding, depends on the week or day. I love, love, love His word so much, it is hard to pick. But, with that said, my probably all time favorite is the very first scripture that the Lord "gave" me, Isaiah 41:10-15
ReplyDelete10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
11Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
12Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
15Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.
LOVE IT!!
I have been studying about peace as well. It is a by product of a Spirit-filled life. What a blessing it is to experience in full measure
ReplyDeleteGod is giving me so much peace right now in my life. As each trial comes to pass, I get find myself constantly asking for it and then recieving it.
It is a gift of God!
hahaha, I knew that would be a tough answer, but I knew you could do it. =0) awesome verse~
ReplyDelete