SOMBER TEASE TO CITY EASE
Traveling in the city, I saw “Salem” written in large red letters on a delivery truck. Clueless to what it meant or why it stood out on the road, I investigated. After a few tears and minutes of prayer, God revealed unguarded areas in need of his touch. Grace met me with a specific word of affirmation to confirm that my soul and pain was seen by God.
Prior days were filled with bizarre events and uncomfortable circumstances. Shadows of giants and uncertainty lingered. Encouragement came in unexpected ways. Our Lord helped me to recognize that my experience wasn’t solo. Many of his children awaited reassurance through transitions, challenges and obstacles around the globe. The Holy Spirit reminds us all again to “be anxious for nothing”. He got this!
Me: Relieved and grateful!
I exhaled in relief considering the polar opposite experience Salem’s meaning spoke to. God was in the mix. His presence brought comfort through disturbances. Salem’s definition, fasting and prayer bore pleasant surprises. My soul received God’s delightful shift as gratitude and appreciation diminished weird vibes. For the first time, in a long time I gave myself permission to feel. I told myself the truth. Mercy met me there. Peace rested where I stood.
COMPLETE BEAUTY
I learned that Salem is a Hebrew name that means “Peaceful, safe; complete, perfect”. Abrim Publications cites that “Salem” is derived from “shalem” which means “to be or make whole or complete”. Salem is also known as Jerusalem, the Holy City.
The truck inscribed with scarlet letters was on assignment that night. To be honest, at the time I felt everything but peaceful and whole. The message affirmed the love of our Savior. The moment reminded me to believe every promise he spoke. Though hopelessness tempted, God used Salem’s meaning to sober skewed perceptions.
TO ABBA’S HONOR
It was another divine wink. Seeing “Salem” was evidence that God speaks to what He sees and knows, not to what we think we’re in. Love reeled anxious thoughts into divine alignment. Discomfort doesn’t mean God is absent. Salem reverently reminded me that Jesus said “it is finished”. Salem humbled lurking dark influences with keen awareness that He lives. Depression visited but couldn’t stay because HE IS the supreme authority .
May this word be a seed of hope to anyone in doubt. Spirit of the Lord speaks peace today. Salem, is your gift and God’s grace. Jesus is the Friend with True benefits.
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
1. Just when our minds or hearts tries to convince us we’re alone, God shows up with truth and light.
2. The Bible shows us that Salem (peace, wholeness and completeness) is a merciful benefit of belief in relationship Jesus Christ.
3. For every challenge, circumstance or unanswered question; for any thing that doesn’t make sense, the LORD gifts peace and life to his children.
4. Reach for God at all times, wait and expect God to answer.
5. Isaiah 41:10 says: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.
SOURCE REFERENCES
Salem , Philippians 4:6-8, John 14:27, John 11:25, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 1, Isaiah 61:3 biblegateway.com, Abrim Publications, kingjamesbibleonlonline.org.
Glow 