The people of Israel were at war. The Midianites had been oppressing them for years and they were weary of the fight. When they cry out to God, He answers by sending a Messenger to appoint Gideon to deliver them.
And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12
But Gideon questions Him – if God is really with us, why is this bad stuff happening? We know the stories of the great deliverance from Egypt and how God was with us, where are those mighty acts now?
I can relate to Gideon. My heart has asked similar questions. Oh God, I know you’ve done all these miracles for others. My life is in chaos – why don't you act now for me?
But back to the story. God replied to Gideon again. "I will be with you."
Gideon realized Who he is speaking with and when confronted with God’s Presence those questions are no longer his concern. He is only consumed with his proximity to Holy God.
God's words now reassure Gideon stating, “Peace be with you[1].” And so Gideon made an altar to worship Jehovah Shalom, God is Peace.
God never answered Gideon’s previous questions. His presence is enough. Notice that Gideon didn’t call Him God of peace, although this is true too. He said God IS peace. His very presence is peace. In His presence we find peace – no matter the circumstances.
This truth is throughout scripture. The resurrected Christ repeated the same phrase to His disciples that Gideon heard, “Peace be with you.” I am with you.
I don’t always get answers for the questions I throw God’s way. His assurance is that He is with me. It is in His presence that peace exists. When I understand that I am in His presence, that He in fact dwells with me, those questions no longer become a concern. It is enough that He is here.
Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. Judges 6:24
[1] John 20:19
