Sermonette: Nov. 2, 2020

Peace.

It’s a thing.

It’s not nothing.

It comes from God and it’s real.

Sometimes I have it in my heart.

And sometimes I don’t.

And when I don’t I feel its absence.

When it’s gone I long for it.

Peace is a settled rest, a grounded root.

It surpasses understanding, the Scripture tells.

And it does. Paul didn’t lie.

How do I know?

Because time and again,

when all hell is breaking loose, when all hope seems gone,I sense a voice in my soul.

Peace be with you, it whispers.

Peace… be still.

Peace.

Peace peace peace like a blanket…

How do I know?

Because time and again,

when I’m sinking in quicksand, when there is no balance, a voice slams mightily against my weary soul,

shakes me by the shoulders

PEACE BE WITH YOU,  

IT SHOUTS.

PEACE IS YOURS IN THE NAME OF CHRIST.

SATAN HAS NO POWER HERE.

PEACE BE WITH YOU.

PEACE BE YOURS.

PEACE. IS. YOURS.

PEace.

p e a c e . . .

PEACE. BE.  

STILL.

No. Paul wasn’t lying. He knew of what he spoke.

And I’m not lying. I know of what I speak.

The peace of God surpasses all understanding.

It’s a thing.

It guards our hearts and minds.

It’s not nothing.

It’s everything, especially in times like these.

For how else can we bear the unbearable?

How else can the darkness not overtake the light?

And so, beloved of God,

peace be yours.

Peace be yours now

and now

and now

and now

and all the nows regardless

Peace of mind. Peace in your body. Peace in your soul.

Peace be still.

Peace be with you.

Peace.

Peace.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7