Good morning: Over the past week was there more laughter or more tears? We learn early on how quickly things can change. One minute things couldn’t be better. There isn’t a cloud in the sky. Life is good. Then suddenly everything turns upside down. Life looks very bleak and the tears flow. The questions come. Where is God? Am I being punished? Is there any hope? Where can I find some peace? The thing to do, the apostle Paul says, is to go to the Lord. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). The peace of God—It’s the one constant we can count on no matter what. That peace is not just an emotion, a feeling of calm and wellbeing. This is a peace which is a factual reality. It is peace between the holy God and us. Where once there was only hostility because of our sin and unbelief, there is now perfect harmony through Jesus’ saving work. He met all the demands the Law imposed upon us. Now His obedience is ours by faith. On the bloody cross, Jesus suffered the righteous anger of God to win our peace. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). That peace is constant no matter what. When there is sunshine and laughter, God’s peace enhances the joy with the assurance that the blessings are not based on our own goodness, but are purely gifts of His grace flowing from His forgiving love. When there are tears, God’s peace is there to encourage by reminding you that trials are not signs of God’s anger. They can’t be since Jesus has reconciled you to God once and for all. The sicknesses, setbacks, and disappointments, as difficult as they are, must serve God’s loving purposes. As the Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Tears are an unavoidable part of life in this sinful world, but thanks to Jesus, they won’t last. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). Whether today holds laughter or tears, the peace of the Lord be with you! Yours in Christ, Pastor Service times tomorrow are 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m.
