These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

SHALOM

Shalom, a blessing for the heart,
creates completeness through the soul.
When we're enough in God we start
to know the peace, that makes us whole.

Integrity fits each several part
to serve in wondrous unity.
Forgiveness brings the wounded heart
restoration's ability.

Mercy sheaths the sword away
from unjust and wrongful men.
Grace brings good for each new day
to those, who have no chance to win.

A life once broken, now can serve,
but not like those, who've served through the years.
Show kindness past what they deserve,
and soon they'll leave their bleakest fears.

"The words received, commands embraced,
inclining ears to Wisdom's call
prepare your greatness, not the tastes.
On Understanding fully fall.

"If you will cry to Knowledge know,
and lift your voice to understand,
if you will seek what silver shows,
and search for treasures hid in land.

"then you will grasp God's Holy Fear,
and find the knowledge of the Lord.
For He it is, Whose Wisdom's clear,
out of His mouth comes the truest Word.

"He brings sound Wisdom to the right.
He buckles them to walk the way,
that rightly keeping Judgment's road
are saints preserved to in Him stay.

"Then understanding righteousness,
and Judgment, Equity, His Way
when Wisdom in your heart doth bless,
and Knowledge pleases your soul's day,

"Discretion shall thy life preserve
throughout this Time, throughout the Day,
Understanding will thee serve,"
and Christ is thine, come what may.

These words of Proverbs 2 bespeak
eleven verses for the heart.
"Shalom" to those, who Christ would seek.
Each life begins in Him to start.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 7th, 2022