May the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Paul’s prayer for the congregation at Thessalonica was one to give a sense of peace to a people who thought that judgment day, the Day of the Lord had come – they were shaken and afraid, and confused. Paul wrote this letter to explain what had to take place before that day came. He also rebuked the lazy Christians in the congregation who were refusing to work, and who took advantage of those who provided food for them, giving instructions to the others on how this situation should be handled to bring peace to the congregation.
Paul’s final prayer in this letter is significant – a prayer to give them assurance of the grace of God and His constant presence to guard them and guide them through the persecutions they were experiencing. Jesus Christ was grace manifested, and the one who believes in His redemptive work here on earth can enjoy an inner calm that cannot be taken away by outward disruption or chaos.
Paul emphasizes, “The Lord of peace himself gives you peace.” The Source never changes, peace is a gift, so it is yours without question. It is not just for a short time, it is “peace at all times,” an unceasing flow. You can have peace “in every way,” meaning in the varied circumstances of life.
What could be better than this deep-seated peace through the personal presence of the Lord within you?!
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