What Is Your Word?

Several years ago a dear friend of mine (we have been friends for nearly 50 years) asked me: “If you had one word to describe your New Year, what would it be?” That is a great question for anyone to consider. How would you describe your New Year with one word? I told him my word for the New Year was Shalom.

If you have read any of my work, you notice that I sign everything with Shalom. It became my word that year and I have kept it ever since. Some people see that and assume I am Jewish. I am not. I am Christian, but I love the word and what it embodies. Some people think Shalom means peace…and it does, but it means so much more.

Shalom means complete peace, complete health, complete wealth, and freedom from stress, and more. Who does not want THAT in their lives? Everyone I know would love to experience that on a daily basis. We live in a world that is stressed to the max, do we not?

Shalom is more than just a word, it is a person as well. Jesus is our peace. He is the one who gives us that anchor in the midst of the storms of life. There is a saying I like: Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.

I do realize there are other ways to peace outside of Jesus, but the peace that Jesus brings is the peace that passes understanding. It is truly remarkable what peace you can experience daily just letting Jesus lead the way. For many people is it “My way or the highway” mentality. I have changed that to “Not my way, but a higher way.”

My prayer for you as we wind down 2017 is that you find that type of peace in your life. May 2018 bring you the desires of your heart, and may your heart be turned to serve Him above all. God bless you and your family throughout the New Year.

Shalom! 

Dan Skognes

2 Responses to “What Is Your Word?”

  1. Stephen says:

    Good to know you’re a Christian. The line “Jesus is our peace” jumped.out at me b3cause I’ve heard it rcently somewhere else. I think this is important because it highl8ghts who Jesus is rather than just an attribute. Ireally want to know Jesus, not just a concept. To know.his presence before his power…

    • Dan Skognes says:

      Stephen, the greatest thing you can do is to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Once you have asked Him into your life, everything changes. It is like having poor eyesight and putting on glasses for the first time to see clearly. I suggest that you read The Bible beginning with the Book of John in the New Testament. This is the word of God…and it all points to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Secondly, get involved in a good Bible based church. If you have any specific questions about becoming a Christian, feel free to email me at danskognes@gmail.com. God bless. Shalom! Dan