2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Today we look at the end of a letter by the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. In his letter, he did a lot of correcting and teaching, being very stern and strict. It was probably a letter that they received that made them feel a lot of conviction, given just how in depth his commands were for their behavior and addressing church discipline, idleness, and persecution.
Despite the correction and commands regarding behavior, Paul also realized he needed to encourage them. Thus, we get today’s verse. It is near the end of 2 Thessalonians, being the 3rd to last message in the letter. His concluding greeting was filled with well-wishes for the church. His words were meant to fill them with peace after all of the harsh correction.
Paul told them he wished them peace at all times, in every way. That meant no matter how hard life got, how many storms came or how many troubles they faced, they could rely on the peace of God to fill them and weather the storms together. God’s peace transcends any circumstance or any situation, no matter how bleak and hopeless it may seem at the time.
Paul’s encouragement was not just written to the Thessalonian church members who were walking in God’s grace obediently, but to all of them, including those who had fallen from grace and were not living godly, holy lives. He had told them not to associate with people who were living in idleness or being disruptive. But he still included those people in his final greeting, reminding them of the grace needed and given to restore harmony.
And what is better than receiving His grace and being filled with peace? Paul said may the Lord be with them always. And not just being with them always, but be with them ALL. Again, he was pushing them to be united and one body, the Body of Christ, His bride. True peace and tranquility does come from anything we do as believers. Instead, it is a divine gift of God that involves personal companionship with Christ.
Why did we get a verse like this in our month’s devotions? It is not just a fancy good-bye at the end of the letter, though it does satisfy that role, as well. No, it was a reminder that God is the source of our peace and being with Him and walking in His presence will bring you great comfort in the circumstances you find yourself in.
We need to learn to embrace all God has for us, especially His presence in times where things feel uncertain or out of control. Focus on His truths. Don’t just ask for resolution in whatever you are facing. Trust in His plan. Trust in Him. He has always been faithful and He will always be faithful. He is our Provider, our Sustainer, our hope, joy, and peace. No one can take that away from you so embrace it fully with everything you’ve got.
And when anxiety hits, like we know it will, prioritize your response – let prayer be the first thing you do. Cultivate a calm inner peace through prayer and Scripture. Ask God to give you peace to guard your heart during those anxious moments. He is the Lord of peace, afterall.
The final note as we wrap up today’s devotion. Paul included everyone in his final greeting. We, the current day believers, should do the same. We don’t have to hang out with people who are actively living in unrepentant sin but we do need to choose our response. Extend grace to those who have offended you And choose to be a peacemaker for others.
I echo Paul’s concluding words: “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” And I pray the same for each person reading this. Let His peace fill you at all times, in every way because I know that He is with us.
Prayer: Lord, Fill me with your peace. You are the Lord of peace and I need it in my life. I give you all my anxiety, stress, bitterness, anger, and every other emotion, and make room to be filled with your peace and joy. Amen
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