Sar Shalom (Speak the Names of God)

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shallow is be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Most of us have experienced passing moments of fear and anxiety that overcome us with dread. But for many, this frightening physical response is a way of life. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent today than at any time in history. We are overwhelmed by financial stress, physical problems, and loneliness in a world filled with unknowns. Traumatic events like war and natural disasters affect the psyche of entire countries. The constant threat of bad news is damaging to our souls. Where can we find peace?

Isaiah 9:1-7 ESV
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.  You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.  For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.  For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

When the prophet Isaiah made the pronouncement of a coming prince, it was part of a larger warning of impending disaster that would destroy the nation of Israel. God’s people had set Him aside and turned instead to the gods of other nations. They had rejected His love and care, and now an invasion was coming. Only Sar Shalom, the “Prince of Peace,” could bring them through and save them, and one day the promised Prince would come.

When we think of a prince, we picture Prince Charming from a fairy tale or the prince of a nation who travels around doing good deeds and smiling for the cameras. But Sar is actually a military term that means a powerful military leader. Sar Shalom is not a gentle hero; He is a powerful victor.

Israel waited for hundreds of years for their warrior prince, and when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, they celebrated His arrival with shouts of “Hosanna.” But cheers quickly turned to jeers when they realized He had not come as a mighty warrior to overthrow the government. Jesus didn’t come to usher in national peace from an earthly throne, but spiritual peace from a heavenly one.

Philippians 4:4-9 ESV
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Stress and strife are realities in a fallen world, and they will continue until Jesus returns. But the peace of God that passes understanding is available to everyone who trusts in Him. Fear and anxiety are rooted in seeds of deception planted by the enemy that grow when they are watered by worry and doubt. But Sar Shalom offers a permeating peace that overrides anxiety and sustains you through every battle.

DECLARE

The Prince of Peace offers permeating peace that passes understanding.

PRAY

Jesus, I need Your peace. When distress sets in, it overwhelms me and I can’t escape it. But I will trust in You and Your promised peace. Anxiety will not have the final say.

PONDER

If you struggle with anxiety, it is often both a physical and a spiritual issue. Ask God to give you His peace. Ask other Christ followers to pray for you. And if necessary, seek the help of a medical professional.