Paul is the author of the book of Thessalonians. Paul prayed that Jesus would grant the Thessalonians the same gift He gave the disciples on the night before He went to the cross:
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not
as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your
heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 1:27)
The peace the world gives is conditional. If we're healthy, if we have money in the bank, if we're secure in our relationships, only then can we say, "I'm at peace."
Jesus, however, gives a supernatural peace that is independent of our circumstances. It's an "in-the-midst-of" peace. In the midst of sickness. In the midst of financial stress. In the midst of relational struggles.
"The heart that has this kind of peace is like a lighthouse in a storm," writes author John White.
Winds shriek, waves crush, lightning flickers around it.
But inside, the children play while their parents go
about their work. They may look out the window to
marvel at the powers that rage around them, but they
have peace - the peace of knowing that the strength
which protects them is stronger than the strength of
the storm.
Are you in the midst of a storm? What winds and waves are threatening your peace?
Based on these verses from 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7, verses 2:13-14, verse 3:3 and 3:16; what reassurances do we have in the midst of our storms? Which of the truths of those verses speak the most directly to your situation?
It's one thing to know that the Lord is faithful and that He is with you always. It's quite another to put your trust completely in Him. Take a moment to examine your heart. Are there some fears hindering you from receiving the gift of peace Christ offers? Write them down; then take them to God in prayer, asking Him help in opening those frightened, closed places to the healing of His grace.
References:
2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spiritand through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
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.
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