THE WONDERFUL PEACE OF GOD

 

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

 

THE WONDERFUL PEACE OF GOD

Phil 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

          How can we find peace when things are in such a mess? Where do we find encouragement in an atmosphere of complaining and negativity? Well, some things need to be turned to “off” and other things need our focus.

 

          Last night a tornado swept through my previous hometown. At least two families I know well lost their entire home. Another family saw the funnel miss their home by mere feet. How, then, can we avoid being “full of care?” I can imagine the eyes rolling as the preacher says: “just pray!” But honestly, this is Paul’s suggestion to those full of care. He adds “supplication” which is a Greek word deesis which is preceded by the definite article ho which makes it THE PRAYER REQUEST. So, tell Jesus exactly what you need.

 

          The resulting peace is a gift and not a wage. In verse 6 we ask and in verse 7 we receive. Some would respond by sighing “surely it can’t be that simple!” Well, even Paul said it was beyond understanding so it is probably beyond explanation as well.

 

          Paul then gives us a list of “things” to think about. We should replace our usual negative thoughts with positive ones. It may be like searching through rubble, but if you search you will find things worthy of virtue and praise.

 

Wonderful Peace

 

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight

Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm.

In celestial strains it unceasingly falls

O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

 

Refrain

 

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above!

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray

In fathomless billows of love!

 

Lord, please give my friends your wonderful peace. AMEN