In Libya, Syria, Yemen and other troubled places in the world - and list is endless - we can understand that peace is not possible while warring groups continue to fight each other. Peace is obviously conditional under these circumstances.
But the same is true in our more mundane lives. Many of us have lives which are so set up that there are bound to be insoluble conflicts rumbling on. In our shopping habits, we may want both value for money and fair-trade goods. Or we favour good public transport, but like the convenience of driving everywhere. Our choices determine whether we enjoy peace or conflict.
St. Paul knew as much, and while in prison in Rome, he wrote to his friends in Philippi. 'Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.' (Philippians 4.6-9)
For Paul, true peace comes from lives dedicated to doing God's will. By offering everything we have to the Lord, in prayer and dedication, and by focusing on God-honouring priorities, then we will find that the God of peace brings us his peace. What a bonus!
Keep taking the medicine. dear friends.
Best wishes,
Richard
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