Don’t
worry about anything, but in everything,
through prayer and petition with thanksgiving;
let your request be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which
surpasses every thought,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians
4:6-7
I see these words in my Bible
and then look all around me and it is no wonder many struggle to feel that
peace that surpasses every thought. As a
nation we are engaged in a war, both a physical one across the seas and a
spiritual one here at home, that is tearing us apart. Cancer is spreading like a plague among our
loved ones, church members and strangers too.
Relationships are strained in the midst of financial insecurity, marital
unfaithfulness, and the pressure of uncertain futures. Yet Jesus promised
“Peace
I leave with you. My peace I give to
you.
I do not give to you as the world
gives.
Your heart must not be troubled
or fearful.” John 14:27
Don’t think for a moment that was
real easy for Jesus to say! He shared
these words of comfort with his disciples on the eve of his death. He made this promise in the shadow of the
suffering he was going to endure on the cross in our behalf. His future was not uncertain, he knew what
lie ahead and yet he promised peace for those who trust in Him.
You
will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You. Isaiah 26:3a
Like never before in my life, I
desire to be a peacemaker. I used to
revel in a good debate or argument, especially if I won, but I have lost my
taste for it. It no longer holds the
satisfaction it used to. In Psalms we
are encouraged to “seek peace and pursue it” and again in Romans “if
possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone”, now that is a tall order if I ever heard
one! Currently I am doing a study of the
book of James and in it I came across this little nugget “But the wisdom from above is
first pure, then peace-loving,
gentle, compliant, full of mercy….” and in seeking this sort of wisdom
we are blessed. Not only are we given
enough peace for ourselves, but we overflow with joy to share it with the
hurting world around us.
May
the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.
The Lord be with all of you.
2Thessalonians 3:16
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