Now 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)

How can we even think about peace with all of what is going on in our world? I get distressed when I read and hear headlines about the terrible treatment of people everywhere! Beheadings in Iraq, abuse of children from Central America and Mexico while trying to come to America, Christians becoming refugees because of their faith, the Middle East a powder keg and then, a seemingly passive response from our government.

Sometimes I’d like to just run away from any type of media for I feel so helpless when I hear the news. Yet, we are reminded that “the Lord of peace himself” gives peace at all times. What can one person do in these stressful times? We must do what those people in Thessalonica were commanded to do in light of persecution–for the Christians in that region suffered persecution. They were asked to pray. For deliverance from evil, and continuance of faithfulness in persecution.

I’m not persecuted as those Christians in Iraq, or those in ancient Thessalonica, but I certainly can pray for them. That they will be delivered from evil–and remain faithful through this persecution. And ask for peace for them.

Simple? Yes. But how often do I–and you too–wring our hands and not do the very thing we’re commanded to do: pray! So, let’s do it. Let’s pray. Each time we hear a distressing story. Each time we see something in God’s creation and causes us to see the Maker in creation. And in turn, we will receive peace–at all times.