Paul’s

letters often include a section like this one: verses that burst with

energy and are chock-full of meaning.

Following

his need to tell two members to start getting along again (see

Philippians 4:2-3), Paul gives another reason why we should not be at

odds with one another: we are supposed to be rejoicing always. Then

he says it again: “Rejoice!” We cannot emphasize it enough!

This

is all part of our witness for Christ. We need to radiate joy,

gentleness, and a sense of peace that comes from knowing who is

really in charge of the universe: Jesus! Rather than be bundles of

nerves and anxiety, we pray. We hand over this world’s problems to

this world’s Savior. Things may or may not change immediately, or

come out the way we like, but we do the right thing by handing it

over to him.

And

the peace we receive as a result? Well, it does not make sense. Ours

is a troubling world. Anxiety seems warranted. But, instead, the

Savior who already passed through the worst things of this world

gives us a peace we cannot understand. Jesus has already suffered all

things for us. The peace he gives is not cheap or fake. It’s the

real deal from the Savior who died and rose again for us. Thanks be

to God!