Paul urges joy at all times—not a feature of youth, or of age either. The events of our lives go up and down, and often take our emotions with them. But there is a joy that is outside the day-to-day events. It is the joy of being able to call God “our Father” for Jesus' sake. This is the joy that brings gentleness and peace.
Peace is a powerful thing. The world thinks that its thundering accomplishes things. But the peace of God that we have in Christ has a greater power. It guards our hearts, the very core of our lives, when the hearts of others are failing for fear.
And take they our life, our family, our goods, our good name— if these are all gone, what have they won? Christ the King still rules all things for us, and causes all things, even our death, to work together for our good. And we have peace.
Peace guards our minds when the minds of others are running from one popular theory to another, as the devil continues to distract them from realizing what he has in mind for them. But as we consider the various facets of God’s creation, we rejoice that we are at peace with the Creator. He is never far away. He sees all our needs. He hears all our prayers.
And the peace of God which passes all understanding guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus—unto life everlasting! Amen. |
