Saturday 22 August 2026

Psalm 107:17-32

Background
Some years ago, during the set up of a local charity I’m involved with, we were advised the charity commissioners don’t like the word ‘wellbeing’, and that we should avoid its use when outlining our ‘objectives’ on the website. I don’t know if they still dislike it, but wellbeing has become a very commonly used word, which is almost impossible to avoid. Perhaps they felt it was rather ‘fuzzy’.  I suspect that the word ‘spirituality’ could also be seen as ‘fuzzy’.

The word used for ‘peace’ in Hebrew, and the common greeting in the Middle East in Hebrew and Arabic is Shalom or Salaam. In a way the sense of the word is, perhaps, more like ‘wellbeing’ than our word ‘peace’.  William Barclay in the Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of John says that ‘peace’ for Jesus would have meant ‘everything which makes for our highest good’.  This type of peace isn't about a quiet life, absence of conflict, or avoidance of trouble. It is a peace that is independent of outward circumstances and helps us to face whatever trouble, sorrow or danger that comes our way.

The disciples would have found everything Jesus had said about his departure very difficult to take on board. I suspect that this promise of peace is something else they would struggle to understand and accept. On the other hand, Jesus says "My peace I give to you". (v. 27) Perhaps they would recognise slowly that there was something about Jesus that did leave them feeling ‘well’. They would perhaps come to realise that with him they did feel strangely peaceful within, even when there was some disturbance or agitation. They might reflect on the calm Jesus displayed in face of so much questioning and opposition from the community leaders, and how it was so different from what might be expected under such pressure.

This is not the end of Jesus’ final words to his disciples, but there does seem to be a transition moment in the account, as Jesus concludes in v. 31: "Rise, let us be on our way." It’s not clear where they were going physically, but there was a ‘way’ for them to travel, the way of God’s peace not the world’s peace.

To Ponder:

• There is often reference to diverse groups coming together for ‘the common good’. Is this similar to William Barclay's ‘highest good’? Or to ‘wellbeing’ or Shalom?
• Consider when you have become aware of Jesus’ peace. Were other people aware of your relative calm amid turmoil and how did they respond?

Prayer
Jesus, grant your peace, deep peace, shalom, in our hearts and minds this day. Though we may face trouble, let it not be more than we can bear. May your perfect love cast out our fear. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Pamela Cram
Pamela worked in several circuits and ecumenical posts in Wales before retiring in the Swansea Valley, where she is involved in a non-denominational community project; a church partnership with a Welsh independent church; and action for Fairtrade.