Peace

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte 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.

*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)

 

Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. 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.


Think About This: “No God, no peace; know God, know peace.” – Croft M. Pentz

The Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 8-10 You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:4-5

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