Daily Devo
Shalom
By: Jenny Hinners
Thursday, August 7, 2025
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31
Peace, or “shalom” (שָׁלוֹם) in Hebrew – is a fruit of the Spirit that means quietness, tranquility, and safety. Hebrew pictographs of the word shalom describe God’s peace as “destroying the authority that establishes chaos.”
How do we obtain the peace described in scripture?
- Give all your concerns to Jesus (and don’t take them back).
Cast your anxieties and burdens on Jesus. He cares for you and promises to sustain you (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22). To “cast” something means you no longer hold onto it. If anxiety and distress persist, then you haven’t fully given them to God. You may need to repeat the process and cast them again. (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Completely trust God.
Peter started sinking when he doubted Jesus. We can't entrust our cares to someone we don’t trust completely. Angst about something in our lives may indicate an area where our trust in God needs to grow. If you’re worried, try meditating on the biblical names of God. His names describe and reveal His character.
Those who know your name will put their trust in you. Psalm 9:10 (NASB)
- Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Why did Peter doubt? He took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm.
How do we fix our gaze Jesus? Worship. Scripture. Prayer. Fellowship.
- Control your thoughts.
God’s peace is with us as we think on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy, and of good report (Philippians 4:8-9). Transforming our thought patterns and taking those unnecessary thoughts captive takes effort and practice. The best way to renew your mind is with Scripture. A favorite book of mine (one you may find helpful) is called, "Switch on Your Brain", by Dr. Caroline Leaf. It’s full of helpful hints to realign your thoughts with Scripture.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
- Focus on today.
God’s Word tells us to focus on today instead of worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).
- Seek nature.
Psalm 23:1-3 says our Shepherd lies us down in green pastures and leads us beside quiet waters. The nature scenes depicted in these verses describe quiet, rest, and restoration. Spending time in God’s creation (nature) can be a great way to find God's “shalom.”
Trust Jesus completely, then give your cares to the Prince of Peace!