Lord of Peace

“Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

I love how this verse names God “the Lord of Peace.” Who can grant us peace better then the embodiment of Peace Himself? Yet, I look to myself, others, or circumstances to grant me peace on a daily bases.

I also love how it says “at all times in every way” because I have realized that I need peace in different ways just as I need God in different ways. Closing our section on peace, I am wanting to ask the same thing from God as Paul did.

“ Lord of peace, please extend peace to everyone who reads this. Regardless of our situation Lord, we all need your peace. Lord, your peace does transcend all of our earthly understanding. Regardless of whether or not we understand it Lord, we long for your peace to guard our hearts and our minds in Your name. We praise and lift up Your name because you do not give as the world gives. Therefore, we do not have to be troubled or afraid. Thank you for granting perfect peace to those who’s minds are steadfast. Help our minds to be fixated on you, and to look to you and not waver in our walk, so that we may trust the living, breathing life of Christ living within each of us. Lord, we believe that you have overcome the world, and because of that we can take heart and don’t set our minds on the pain of this world but on your ultimate victory. Because of these things I know peace is not something we hope for but something You continually grant Your children. Lord of perfect, everlasting, unconditional peace,  please gift us a little taste of yourself today and every day, give us peace.”

You WILL have pain

John 16 starts by Jesus telling his disciples all about the pain and agonizing suffering they are about to endure in his name. Then he says he’s leaving them and the Holy Spirit, who will be there to guide them and bring them joy. One thing I like about this chapter is Jesus actually compares life to a woman giving birth "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that child has been born into the world.” (verse 21).

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world

I had my first birthing classes yesterday, and there is one thing on every one's mind when birth gets brought up: PAIN.
“How long will the pain last?”
“How can I deal with this pain?”
“Can I really manage without drugs or an epidural?”
I love the fact that Jesus does not sugar-coat the truth, for in this world we do have pain. Instead he asks me to look beyond what my thoughts and anxiety,  and tells me to focus on HIM. Throughout this passage of scripture God is reveling to me that pain is temporary. Pain is worldly. And I serve an almighty God who is eternal and not temporary. He does not concern himself on things of this world because he has overcome the world. In Him we find peace.