When your mind’s commentary stops…peace begins.

(Listen to my song “Slow Me Down” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

+++

2 Thessalonians 3:16

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

+++

When the risen Christ returned to see all of his followers who were hiding in fear…the same people who abandoned him at the crucifixion…he did not scold or criticize them.

Instead, he offered them peace.

“When the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).”

Jesus was always a peaceful presence to those in need.

Remember how he calmed the seas when he and his followers were tossed about on a boat in a violent storm (Matthew 8:23-27 or Mark 4:35-41)?

Remember his calm presence with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)?

When you become very present with what is…and let your mind’s fearful commentary dissolve…you come to know the peace of the Divine Presence.

In Hebrew, the meaning of Emmanuel, the name given to the coming Messiah, is “God with us.”

In Jesus, we experience God’s peaceful presence.

It’s a peace available each moment.

As St. Paul said, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

This is a peace Paul found even as he awaited his own execution.

May this same peace…be with you now and always.

+++

Listen to my song “Slow Me Down” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!