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.
October 21, 2024
October 17, 2024
Our greatest misconception is that God is uninterested in us. From the beginning our Ancient Enemy has deceived us into thinking that God is holding out and on us and that He has no interest in our fellowship.
But the testimony of Scripture (and of men and women who have known Him) shatters this lie like a hammer shattering a rock.
October 16, 2024
