[peace: the absence of worry]

My devotion tonight mentioned 2 Thessalonians 3:16 - "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way." And it got me thinking about how peace seems to change meaning as it changes context.

For my friends from South Sudan, peace is no more fighting. No more death over land. Over resources. Over cows and power and religion and differences. For them, peace is the absence of war.

For friends from large, multi-millioned-people, cities, peace is quiet country silence away from the crowds and heat and crazy busyness of all that cities thrive on. For them, peace is the absence of poeple.

And God? The peace He is talking about here in 2 Thessalonians? I suppose I should go look up the original in Greek to get more meaning, but tonight I'm just going to take it at it's English translation. And to me, I sense the peace talked about here is simply a quiet heart and mind for once. It's a deep sense of confidence not in this world but in the God who made it. It's a trust that everything will work out. That life in all of its ups and downs is good. That this is not the end. Tonight, peace is the absence of worry for me.

I know it might change tomorrow. But tonight it's a quiet assurance that all is right in the world because my God's in control. Sure there is lots to be done, lots of hurt, lots of need. But Easter has already arrived. We declare every day Easter, because Satan's already toast.