I’ve been reading a lot of Paul’s writings in the Bible lately. My favorite part is when he ends his letters. It’s not because I don’t like what he’s written and I’m glad it’s over, nope, it’s more because he always ends with encouragement.

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

I Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT)

I still remember how I felt when I first read those words. I wasn’t even paying attention that it was at the end of his letter and then there it was: God of peace and he who calls you is faithful. May the God of peace… Nothing about God is chaos: the God of peace. Nothing about God is wavering: he is faithful.

As these words rushed over me, I felt a healing balm over my soul. Every chaotic thing I hear on the news isn’t about my God, it’s about people. Every differing thought on what we need to do as a world can not be the determining basis of how my days will play out. These are the thoughts of man and not those of my God.

My foundation is built on rock and not sand. It’s about time I start living like there is a foundation in my life that is unwavering and faithful. In that unwavering, there is peace. Peace that passes all understanding. Peace that allows me to breathe when I hear one more piece of disappointing news. Peace that wraps its arms around me when I feel I might break.

Paul’s letters were written to the churches for encouragement and to let them know how they could improve. It’s not always easier hearing we need to improve, or wear masks, or social distance, etc. But, what if we could be Pauls in this world. What if we could end each conversation with peace and faithfulness?

We can’t offer peace or faithfulness in our own names because we are human: we will fail at some point. Let me tell you about someone who will not fail you no matter what you face today: We serve a God of peace and faithfulness. May your life, may my life, bear a strong resemblance to the God we serve.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Who needs to hear from you today? Can you leave them with God’s peace and faithfulness. Who needs hope today?

© 2020 Susan M. Sims

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