Peace

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Sometimes what needs to be said only takes a few words (though I could stretch anything into a full page).  Today I will be brief (or briefer).
Peace – we all want it.  We all long for it.  We all need it.
The opposite of peace is called by many names: anxiety, stress, pressure, fear, worry, discontent, anger, etc.
The first thing I notice in Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians is that the Lord Himself is the Peace-giver.  God is the only One that can give us genuine peace. [Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6]
The second thing I notice is that this peace of God is available to you and me: “May the Lord…give you peace…”
The third thing I notice is Paul prays that they would have peace at ALL TIMES.  That seems like an impossible request but nothing is impossible with God.  Based on the biblical truth of sanctification* the more we grow in our knowledge and love of God and in our obedience to God the more our times of peace will grow, too.
The last thing I notice in Paul’s prayer is that he prays for the Thessalonian believers to have peace “in every way.” Isn’t that what we want? Peace that invades and rules every area of our hearts.
Not only is a heart of peace more pleasant for us but a person with a genuine heart of peace is a beacon of Gospel hope to the stressed out, anxious culture we live in.
Let’s be that! Beacons of Gospel hope.
Blessings, Diane
*Sanctification is the work of God in a believer’s life making her more and more like Jesus. (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18)
Diane Hunt
After serving 16 years full-time on the staff of America’s Keswick, Diane and her husband moved to North Carolina where she continues to serve part time as a contributing writer and Partner Care Consultant.  She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.