PEACE

October 15, 2019

Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

It is one of life’s most elusive but most needed qualities. We all long for peace.

The peace we need is not a removal from all difficulties, for this would be impossible. But what God offers is far greater … a peace “in every circumstance.”

THE MOMENT OF PEACE

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself ...”

Paul prays that his hearers would be granted this peace right then. Not later when the need was not so great, but “now.” Perhaps that is your need. For peace now. Be assured of this: it is available now. In fact, it is available always with God.

THE OWNER OF PEACE

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself ...”

Paul describes God as the Sovereign who has peace and alone has the capacity to grant it to those He desires. If you need real peace, there is only one source.

And, He will do it “Himself.” He does not delegate this task to others. The Lord of peace is willing to condescend and come to you HIMSELF and give you this peace.

THE CONTINUANCE OF PEACE

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually ...”

This peace is not fleeting or temporary. It is a gift that is continual. That lasts. That can remain. As humans, we tend to take our eyes of Him and, as we do, we lose our peace. But it is not His fault. His peace is available all daytime.

THE GIFT OF PEACE

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace …”

This is not something that we develop or even receive by our good behavior. It is a gift from God. It is “granted” to us from the hands of the Great Giver who is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls. Remember the words of Psalm 23, reminding us how our Shepherd will help us lie down in green pastures, by still waters, and restore our souls, even providing in the presence of the valley of death or our greatest enemies.

THE ESSENCE OF PEACE

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace. The Lord be with you all”

In reality, peace is not merely a quality, it is HIM. When He is with us and we are consciously aware of His strong presence, we know all is well. He has everything we need. He carries it with His presence.

God longs to give this peace to you. You can run from Him, vainly trying to manage your circumstances. Fear, doubt, and grief will overwhelm you without Him. Or, you can look to the Lord of peace, turning to Him, crying out to Him, trusting Him.

And He will grant you peace. Now.

Also in Graceful Truth

BROUGHT INTO HIS OWN PRESENCE

December 20, 2024

Our greatest problem is not the economy, the culture, or the world we live in. Our most debilitating issue from which all other problems derive is our separation from God. We have lost the one thing that makes us work, that makes us whole and right.

Continue Reading

THE URGENCY OF INSTANT OBEDIENCE

December 17, 2024

Joseph had no idea how vital a role his simple, prompt response played, and neither will you. But your instant obedience today, and every day, is more important than you realize.

Continue Reading

SEEING CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS

December 13, 2024

The birth of Christ was like no other man. It was not the natural entrance of one who would become an important historical figure. This was different altogether. As we come to remember and celebrate the entrance of Christ (which is a vitally important thing to do), it is easy to bend to the temptation to treat it humanistically. Satan would like nothing more than to denigrate it to Claus and commercialism. To divert our attention from the glory of Christ.

Continue Reading