Now, may the Lord of Peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
I had Indian for lunch today.
The scents of the small restaurant were wonderful and I enjoyed the different tastes. Besides the scents and tastes, I enjoyed lunch with a friend with whom I can probe the theology of the church and share thoughts and questions I only raise in a few safe spaces.
Coming home, I opened Eugene Peterson's "The Message" and my eyes fell upon the verse from 2 Thess. I read it several times and then did a search for a quote on thanks/joy/peace and I discovered this quote by....Ann Voskamp!
I have sat, studying and reflecting on this quote.....
Some days I am uncertain exactly how to explain matters of faith.
Days such as this often leave me feeling unsettled and restless. Today, reading this quote by Ann a few minutes after reading the passage from 2 Thessalonians I thought...
1. Peace does not come within circumstances.
2. Paul reminds me I can learn to be grateful within any circumstances.
3. I may not always agree with the theology of the church....one of my circumstances.
Ann Voskamp has also written that she believes Peace is a Person.
You know....there are days I wish I could simply hear for myself what Jesus said, rather than reading what others have written he said. Yet, even though I have questions regarding the writings of New Testament authors, I do agree with Ann, that Peace is a Person.
Peace is this Person, Jesus, that someday I just can't wait to hear what he has to say for myself!
Until then....
I can continue to practice the disciplines he taught (pausing, prayer, study.....) and within these disciplines, be grateful.
I'm going to be spending a few days with my family...for that I am grateful!
Blessings for a weekend of beauty, compassion, and discovery.
Many Blessings ~ Sandi
I had Indian for lunch today.
The scents of the small restaurant were wonderful and I enjoyed the different tastes. Besides the scents and tastes, I enjoyed lunch with a friend with whom I can probe the theology of the church and share thoughts and questions I only raise in a few safe spaces.
Coming home, I opened Eugene Peterson's "The Message" and my eyes fell upon the verse from 2 Thess. I read it several times and then did a search for a quote on thanks/joy/peace and I discovered this quote by....Ann Voskamp!
Some days I am uncertain exactly how to explain matters of faith.
Days such as this often leave me feeling unsettled and restless. Today, reading this quote by Ann a few minutes after reading the passage from 2 Thessalonians I thought...
1. Peace does not come within circumstances.
2. Paul reminds me I can learn to be grateful within any circumstances.
3. I may not always agree with the theology of the church....one of my circumstances.
Ann Voskamp has also written that she believes Peace is a Person.
You know....there are days I wish I could simply hear for myself what Jesus said, rather than reading what others have written he said. Yet, even though I have questions regarding the writings of New Testament authors, I do agree with Ann, that Peace is a Person. Peace is this Person, Jesus, that someday I just can't wait to hear what he has to say for myself!
Until then....
I can continue to practice the disciplines he taught (pausing, prayer, study.....) and within these disciplines, be grateful.
I'm going to be spending a few days with my family...for that I am grateful!
Blessings for a weekend of beauty, compassion, and discovery.
Many Blessings ~ Sandi
Very interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that the denomination in which I am ordained has a wide, expansive theology in which I was able to anchor myself many years ago, and in which I can still be. It is challenging to have one sense of the biggness of God and have the human tendency of narrowing God. And, I have totally been able to find, feel, know, and be "peace" - which within the circumstances of my life, could only have been the peace of God in Christ.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a peace-filled weekend!
I can't tell you the number of times I have wished I could have heard for myself... and the questions I have... It makes me feel better to know someone like yourself struggles with this a bit, too. ;) Enjoy the time with your family! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your visit with your family, Sandi. :)
ReplyDelete