Romans 15:33
May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (ESV)
This simple benediction from the Apostle Paul is powerful for us all. We all long for peace. What is peace? Some would define peace as the absence of war or some other kind of conflict. For that kind of peace I am afraid that we are going to have to wait. The absence of all war and conflict would necessitate an end to sin's presence entirely. There is such a place where sin is not present. That is in heaven.
There is a great blues song that includes the line, "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die." We would all like to experience peace, but we are not anxious to die this very minute in order to experience this perfect peace. Is there any peace this side of heaven? Of course. This is the very peace that Paul is referencing here in this verse. He is praying that the God of peace would be with the people in Rome.
Notice that the peace Paul is offering comes in the form of God himself. He prays that God would be with them. And specifically, he prays that the God of peace would be with them. What he is saying is that if you have God's presence in your life you also have his peace. It is a package deal. Sadly, many people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, have not taken advantage of this peace that God brings.
In his words to the church at Philippi the Apostle Paul tells the church to bring their concerns to God. Notice what Paul promises to those who will give their concerns to God. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). We will have trouble, anxieties, war, and conflict in this life. But, the God of peace is with us.
Are you in need of peace in your life? I pray that the God of peace will be with you. Talk to him. Cast all of your anxiety, worry, doubt, fear, and troubles on him. He will give you his peace.
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