As we ponder the words of Scripture, we become aware that peace and suffering are often closely linked. John remembers Yahshua being full of thoughts about peace the night before He died, and Him saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” [John 14:27]. In fact, these familiar, comforting words led on to Gethsemane and Calvary!
When Paul wrote his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, it’s apparent they had been going through a difficult time [chapter 1]. Beautifully, the letter concludes, “Now may the Lord of peace personally give you his peace at all times and in all ways” [2 Thessalonians 3:16, J.B. Phillips] - another precious blessing for the children of Yahweh. He can give His peace regardless of circumstances, at all times and in all ways, as we open our hearts to receive it.
Isaiah puts it this way: “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast” [Isaiah 26:3, Amplified Bible]. Sometime in the middle of the 20th century, Amy Carmichael wrote, “Much is happening in the great world and very near us also which shakes and distresses the mind, filling it with perplexity.” Despite almost a century of ‘progress’, the world continues to perplex and distress us, doesn’t it? Only Yahshua’s own peace can quieten our hearts during the anxieties of life. As we keep our minds steadfastly focused on Him, His peace brings a depth of calm and contentment that is beyond our natural capacity.
Yahshua’s peace “is not the easy, natural peace of the level road. It is the peace of the steep and difficult mountain climb” [Amy Carmichael]. This peace stands guard over our hearts and minds, protecting them, keeping them safe despite the most demanding situations or circumstances, however ‘steep and difficult’ the climb. It’s a peace which ‘surpasses all understanding’, settling deep within to garrison us fast in Yahshua’s love and provision [see Philippians 4:7].
May Yahshua “grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]” [Amplified Bible].
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1 timothy 3:16 NIV - Beyond all question, the mystery from - Bible Gateway
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