Daily reflection – Friday 3rd April

 ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:7

How serene, how peaceful are you, in normal day to day living? The words serenity and peace conjure up bucolic scenes of verdant meadows, beautiful beaches and splendid sunsets, and not busy streets, dashing off for the school run, or stuck in traffic. Now that some of these pressures have been removed, do you feel different, or are you facing a raft of new anxieties?

The truth is that life is complex and troubling, sometimes more so than others, but we can’t escape worry.

Christians know that peace is sourced in God through prayer: ‘in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God’ (4:6). This peace of God, available to us whatever our circumstances, surpasses comprehension: ‘peace is better than all understanding’, and the peace of God protects us: ‘the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

And this peace, so essential to living life abundantly, is sustained by our Saviour, Jesus Christ: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.’ (John 14:27)

Father God, today may we find serenity and peace in our fellowship with you. May your outrageous peace keep our hearts and minds secure, now and always.

Amen