Do you need peace today?

Each of Paul's letters begins with a greetings of peace. Some like this one to the Christians in the Greek city of Thessalonica, end the same way. These words were full of meaning. Paul was reminding the Thessalonians that the Lord, the author of peace, would give his peace always, in every way and under all circumstances. The Thessalonians needed this encouragement badly. They were people who suffered from oppression and persecution, who were confronted with the problem of immorality, who were full of sorrow because of loved ones eho had died, who lived among difficult and pagan people, and who were confronted by false religious teachers and people with warped minds.

Paul's words referre back to the reality of the night in which Christ was born. The Lord who gives peace, because he himself is peace, was born to command peace. It is the same peace of which the Lord later would say to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27). "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" (John 16:33).

The Thessalonians claimed this peace, and proved it ot be applicable and sufficient in their varied situations. This peace lifted them above their problems. In spite of pressure and adversity, their faith grew so that they became examples ot others.

Even today we can draw comfort from the experiences of those who have gone before us. We can try to follow their good example, learn not to lose heart, and nurture hope.

Circumstances in the eighties are far from rosy. The world finds itself in chaos. Many a family is in a crisis. The church is often a loss for the right answers. Small wonder that  our hearts lack peace and are full of uncertainty. But in spite of this we can experience the Lord's peace continually, and in every way.

Peace must be practical and practiced! We best begin each new day with God, reading his Word and praying. Then we can think back to this quiet time throughout the day to claim his prace when unrest and discord are knocking at our door. We must remind ourselves that no situation we find ourselves in is beyond that range of God's interest in us.

Until Next Time, Continous Bless, and Praise the Lord!

Shelena

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Source: by Gien Karssen. Women's Devotional Bible NIV