May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Why doesn’t the apostle end the letter right here? Because we need to ask for peace, but we also need to know how to receive it. The folks in Thessalonica were facing great difficulties and an uncertain future. They had many fears, and they needed to know how to face them.
The worst thing you can do with your fears is to try and hide them. Fear is like a coiled spring—the more you press it down, the more it will push back against you. There is only one way to deal with your fears, and that is to bring them out into the open and face them.
It doesn’t help to tell yourself: “Don’t worry, it probably won’t happen.” What if it does happen? What if I do have cancer? What if I do lose my job? What if I am left on my own? What then? There will be times when you are awake at night, worrying about these things.
Notice what Paul says next: “The Lord be with all of you” (3:16). This has special meaning because Paul could not be with them. He was their father in the faith, but after just three weeks he had been taken from them, and he was not able to return.
Think of the circle of people God has placed around you— family, friends, and coworkers. Who is the person you lean on most for help? Maybe you wonder, “What would I do without him or her?” Here is your answer: God is with you!
Written by Colin Smith
Read by Sue McLeish
