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!