Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and shalom in trusting, so you may overflow with hope in the power of the Ruach ha-Kodesh. Romans 15:13 TLV
When we ponder the whole concept of “shalom” and “wholeness” we, of course, address ourselves to the definition of spirit, soul, and body. I think I am safe is saying that this is a widely held belief in the Christian community.
But isn’t there so much more?
When I think of the WHOLENESS of a person, additional words come to my mind. Words like, creativity, ingenuity, intuitiveness, dreams, visions, aspirations, and our lofty God-given imagination!
While the word shalom is most often used today as a greeting, I want to look at it from a Biblical perspective.
In the Bible…
The word shalom is most commonly used to refer to a state of affairs, one of well‑being, tranquility, prosperity, and security, circumstances unblemished by any sort of defect.
Shalom is a blessing, a manifestation of Divine Grace. [My Jewish Learning]
Is this not the place where our believing should flourish?
Longing for Eden again
This definition, “A manifestation of divine grace,” is such a lovely picture.
Don’t we all want to dwell in a world of tranquility, security and circumstances of unblemished defect?
Isn’t this our picture of Eden?
But is it even possible? In our polluted world? Can we even conceive of the barest prospects of such a thing?
Honestly, I believe we can, because when I think of shalom the words from Colossians immediately spring to my mind.
He is the divine portrait, the true likeness of the invisible God, and the first-born heir of all creation. For through the Son everything was created, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it was all created through him and for his purpose! He existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in him.
He is the Head of his body, which is the church. And since he is the beginning and the firstborn heir in resurrection, he is the most exalted One, holding first place in everything. For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again!
Colossians 1: 15-20 TPT
What majestic prospects are ours!
The King James Version says,
Christ himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t; the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms, its rulers and authorities; all were made by Christ for his own use and glory. He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together. [verse 16 and 17]
Doesn’t that seem to say it all?
He is the fullness of God and our indwelling wholeness.
Jesus Christ is our perfect Shalom! Through the power of the Holy Spirit He has restored His children to an inner Eden. In Him, we are everything we were created to be. And by Him, and His limitless grace, it all holds together.
Tell me then, “What is impossible when we simply believe God?”
Women With Destiny 