"A Peace That Guards Our Hearts and Minds."

“May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God…” Philippians 4:7

Dear Friends,

            In his letter to the Philippians, written from prison in some of his final words before his death, Paul tells us not to worry when things look bleak or uncertain, to be gentle with ourselves and the world around us. He assures us that there is a transforming power and freedom in praying and giving thanks, as well as in rejoicing over all life’s circumstances. He reminds us of the mysterious gift of a Peace that the world cannot give, a Peace that guards our heart and mind, like a sentry guards a tomb, to keep it safe.

            As we trust God’s love and providence, all things are possible.  Paul invites us to think not of our circumstances, but to think over and over again on higher truths, excellence, honor, justice, purity, and, most of all, love, which transcends everything.  I’ve noticed that practicing gratitude, even when I don’t feel grateful, will always renew my spirit.  I have also read that giving thanks, as a practice, is good for our hearts.  It lowers our blood pressure, reduces our stress, and opens us to new possibilities. 

            Each Sunday, when asked to bless the congregation, I often use Paul’s words, followed by: “And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever.  Amen”.  I love sending us out to love and serve the Lord, touched by these words of Peace. 

            Now, that doesn’t mean I expect we’ll walk out into a world that is inherently peaceful.  Quite the contrary, we know we’re living in a world that is, many days, anxious, challenging, chaotic, divided, and predisposed to “war and rumors of war.” However, I do believe that God’s persistent grace follows us every day, inviting us to trust God amid war, turmoil, anxiety, and uncertainty.  Paul’s words invite us to trust God when bombs fall, when illness comes, when pain and death come, with all our worries and fears, even as we pray that the Peace of God will fall on and cover the whole world.

            In Iraq, Iran, Israel, Gaza, in Birmingham, Chicago, Montgomery, and India and Pakistan, we pray, faithfully: “May the Peace of God, that passes all understanding, keep all our hearts and minds in knowledge of God’s love…and may God’s peace reign, prevail, and guard every heart forever.” 

      And I invite us to pray every day: 

“Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever.” Amen.

I hope I see you at church soon.

Blessings,

+Glenda