Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken

Recently, I received a devastating blow from the enemy in my life. It was a surprise attack that knocked me off my feet. I didn't see it coming. Although I was surprised and left reeling by the power of the blow, my God knew it was coming and He wasn't one bit surprised. For that, I am so thankful. As I was gasping trying to get my breath, my God had already launched His army of heavenly hosts to go after the enemy on my behalf. In the hours, days and weeks that followed the attack, I saw the Mighty God I serve, fight the battle for me and bring me through to an amazing victory as I learned to keep my mind off the battle and onto Him.

In the hours and days of darkness that followed that intial blow, the Holy Spirit was ever-present, speaking over and over again into my spirit, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Shalom. Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Shalom. I clung to these words, knowing that if the Spirit was speaking them over and over to me in crisis that they were the key to my victory.

Jehovah Shammah means my God is there. He is there in the midst of the trial. He is there with you. Jehovah Shammah was my companion when no one else was there for me. He held me and comforted me. He soothed my wounds with His healing oil. He spoke His words of love and tenderness over my wounded heart. He never left my side. He wiped away my tears and restored my joy. He put a new song in my heart, a song of praise to my God. Spending time with Jehovah Shammah at my side strengthened me and renewed my spirit. He gently showed me how the enemy had been able to hit me with that surprise attack and taught me how to avoid it in the future. He never condemned me but spoke the truth in love. He is now my constant and faithful companion whom I look to every day. He has always been there for me, it's just that before this trial I didn't know Him like I do now. He is my best friend, the Lord my Companion.

Jehovah Shalom means the God of peace or the God of completeness, of soundness, nothing missing, nothing broken. Oh how I needed Jehovah Shalom after that attack. I was shattered and broken into so many little pieces but Jehovah Shalom came to my rescue. Even as I repeated those words Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Shalom over and over again, a sense of peace washed over my being: that peace that passes all understanding, that peace that only He can give. With my natural eyes everything around me looked so uncertain and so devastating but with my spiritual eyes I began to see that God was at work on my behalf. Jehovah Shalom stayed at my side and every time the enemy would fire another dart of fear, or rejection, or condemnation in my direction, Jehovah Shalom would hold up His shield of peace to cover me. He kept me safe in the secret place, away from the strife of tongues. No weapon formed against me prevailed. Jehovah Shalom was my covering. Every broken, missing piece of my life was put back together by Jehovah Shalom, nothing missing, nothing broken.

I am stronger now and back on my feet moving forward with greater tenacity and determination than ever before, to accomplish God's Kingdom purposes for my life. Satan thought he had me destroyed. He thought I could never recover from that blow. He thought he had delivered a fatal one. Oh, but he forgot who I am. I am a daughter of the Most High God. The Lord is on my side! Through Him I already have the victory. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, my Lord. Jehovah Shammah was there for me and Jehovah Shalom shielded me and restored me to completeness.

May you too, come to know Jehovah Shammah and Jehovah Shalom.

Blessings,
Rev. Jennifer Ritchie