Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

“Peace for our … ”

Philippians 4v7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

“Peace for our time,” are probably the most famous words of Neville Chamberlain. It is good to have a sense of optimism, but sadly, in this world, there is not always a positive outcome. One of the great hopes of the 20th century was world peace and prosperity. There was the hope that education, democracy, technological advance and international organisation would bring peace – and it may be fair to say it has managed peace to a degree, but then the evil in human hearts still breaks out.

While it is good and right to pursue global peace, Jesus never promised this. Rather he said, “you will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed,” Matthew 24v6.

Jesus did however promise peace when he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14v27).  There have been and are many things that can upset our peace (e.g. Covid, cost of living, Russian invasion …), but Jesus offers you peace especially in these situations. Paul says it is not a natural peace, but a peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4v7) because it is a peace from God. It is a “peace for our … ” minds and hearts.

We will explore more on Sunday about how we can fully receive this peace from God. In the meantime, may we both know God’s peace and exercise God’s peace.

With love and blessing,

Roland