2 Thessalonians 3:16

As Paul brought this letter to an end, he wrote the Thessalonians this wonderful benediction. I love these words and, when I have sent a card to someone over the years, I have very often quoted this verse. What greater blessing could you seek for another person than that they would know the Lord’s peace at all times and in every situation? Surely we all long for that for ourselves and for all those who we care about.

Peace needs to be carefully understood. Alexander Maclaren, the famous Victorian preacher, got to the heart of the issue when he wrote: “Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.” It is precisely when we live in close partnership with God that we discover what real peace is. And because of the strength of his peace, we are able to withstand any challenge.

It has often been observed that, at the heart of a hurricane, there is complete stillness and quiet. Whilst destruction swirls around, at the eye of the storm there is peace. Miraculously, that is what God is able to give us as we place our trust in him. As Jesus said to his fearful disciples just before his death: “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift that the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).

Peace is God’s gift to us when we place ourselves completely in his hands. While we are still struggling, and trying to make peace ourselves, we will never find it. It is only as we recognise that God is the source of peace that we will discover it. Jean Paul Sartre, the French philosopher, observed: “You will never find peace and happiness until you are ready to commit yourself to something worth dying for.”

QUESTION
What has been your experience of God’s peace?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are the source of true peace and that you love to share your peace with all those who put their trust in you. Fill me, and those around me, with your peace today. Amen

Released on 26 Jun 2023