31 March - Peace that Passes All Understanding
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
At the end of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul responds to a church facing the trials of persecution, false teachings and difficult dealings among her members. In such precarious circumstances, his appeal and encouragement are simple, yet profound – that the church will find peace from the bearer of Peace itself – the God whom they worship.
The experiences of the Thessalonians were not confined to a particular time and space – they are universal and are still being felt today in different shapes and forms. As we reflect through recent times, we need to acknowledge that the world is a very broken place to live in. Creation cries a different song in the mornings, people cling to addiction in an attempt to make sense of their pain and suffering; others resort to lies and deceit to survive and perpetuate hurt and we, as believers, are brought down to our knees in prayer for any, and every sense of peace.
Paul’s words of grace and peace sum up his heart’s yearning for the church in Thessalonica, and he leaves them with a two-fold blessing: 1) that peace is found in the presence of the Lord; and 2) that the peace from God guards the heart. As believers, this is the assurance – that in all circumstances, God’s peace which surrounds and shields the heart, is found in his very presence. God’s peace brings comfort and rest, refreshing the soul and renewing hope; an experience which transcends human understanding.
As we look forward to the days ahead, let us journey on with the presence of God. He who gives us his peace (John 14:27), will guide and sustain your spirit. Take heart, and let us continue to serve the Author of Peace and sow seeds of faith, hope, love and peace in the fields before us.
PONDER
Do you have a place/space which is peaceful and/or reminds you of peace? If you are able to, visit that space, otherwise think of it and reflect on the following: How can I seek his presence every day and submit to his authority over my life? How do I apply the knowledge of God’s peace in all circumstances I face?
PROMISE
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV).
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord for being the bearer of Peace, and for the assurance that your presence is with me in all circumstances. I admit that my heart has been troubled, and I repent for any doubt or disbelief that you are sovereign over all. I am choosing to rest in you, to submit to your peace, and allow your grace to be my strength to face the days ahead. Amen.
Article by the Rt Reverend Dato’ Charles Samuel, retired Area Bishop of the Northern Peninsula. Bishop Charles is Priest at St Paul’s Church, Bukit Tengah, Penang.