DEVOTION – DAY 530

2 Thessalonians 3:16 “God Gives Us Peace”

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

“Peace” or “Shalom” in Hebrew is often a common greeting that Jews wish each other. The apostle Paul starts and ends many of his letters with such a greeting. But the word “peace” has a deeper meaning for Christians. “Peace” reminds Christians that their total well-being and security is possible only because God provides to those He calls His children, because they are now at peace with Him. Christians have been reconciled to God, the Father, because of Jesus’ saving work on the cross to atone for the sins of believers. Thus, those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior no longer fear death and punishment for their sins, because Jesus took their place on the cross on their behalf. Their fear of God’s wrath has been replaced by peace and love. That is the basis that Paul extended his parting greetings and wishes to the Thessalonians in the above verse. God’s presence in a Christians’ life is evidence that he or she will enjoy peace at all times.

We know someone who had spent more than twenty years in the mission field before she retired. But she did not stay retired for long. Within a few months, she answered a call to return back to the mission field. Today, she is running a mission school and orphanage in Africa. Her day is full. There are multiple tasks to handle, devotionals to prepare to help start each day off with all the children, food and supplies to order from the nearest town, meetings to attend or chair and that is just some of the things she does in a typical day. Despite the work and challenges, there is peace and joy. There is a deep satisfaction and certainty in her heart, that her time is well spent investing in the lives of these children. She never regretted leaving behind her well-paid job to go into the mission field. She saw it a privilege to be used by God in this manner. She would admit that there were a number of times when she faced danger, especially during periods of lawlessness in her district. But she always relied on the Lord to give her peace and she always felt peace amidst the turmoil that was around her. The Lord is the Lord of peace, and He is all she needed in her life.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for granting us your peace that transcends all understanding. Please help us to always look up to you rather than on our current circumstances. We humbly pray in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  

Questions

  1. Are you experiencing the Lord’s peace in your life?
  2. If you are troubled and you are looking for peace, will you go to the Lord of peace and ask Him to give you His peace even as you go through your troubles?
  3. How has the lord helped you remain at peace in the past even as you face troubles? Share.
  4. How can you help someone who is in trouble find peace in the Lord?