So then, my brothers, ⌊you are⌋ dearly loved and longed for — my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:1, 4-9 HCSB)
I am thankful for the gift of peace. It is a gift that I do not deserve. But God has graciously given it to me. Because He loves me and for that reason alone. He longs for me. What amazing words. The God who created the universe longs for me. And for you. And we are so undeserving. Yet so blessed.
What good things to dwell on. To let my troubled mind rest on. To take a break from my struggles, fears, and pains and think on the lovely things of God. Won't you join me.
But because the Lord loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands. (Deuteronomy 7:8, 9 HCSB)
Blessings.
