The God of peace.
In the course of my work, I often come across people who are troubled by events that they may be experiencing personally or that they are aware of in the world. Indeed, there is much that can be unsettling. Hatred and war seem to be rampant and there is a very real absence of peace in many places. One only has to watch or read the news on a daily basis to see evidence of that. At a more personal level, many people experience trauma at a range of levels that could include stress in their marriages, with people in their lives, with financial stress, and many other things. Sadly, many people experience a lack of inner peace. One wonders therefore, whether there ever will be peace.
In fact, there can be peace. This peace, however, is often an internal peace; a peace that is present despite the events of the world around us. Saint Paul encourages us to do this:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9, NIV)
May the peace of God be within us all, this day and every day.
God bless.
Reverend Dave