Sometimes I’m amazed at what the Bible speaks to… I credit this to our pastor, Dr. Dave Jordan-Irwin, who pointed out Jesus’ words to the disciples in John 16:
Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home… I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16.32, 33, ESV)
We are indeed scattered each to our own homes during this coronavirus lockdown, but Jesus is not limited. Pastor Dave also pointed out that Jesus appeared to the disciples during their lockdown:
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20.19, ESV, emphasis mine)
“Peace be with you,” the same thing he promised them in John 16. Peace is not in our circumstances but in the presence of Jesus.
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4.5 – 7, ESV)
Such great reminders!
Perfect! Thank you.
I’m so glad you included v. 5 with Phil. 4:6-7. It usually isn’t, which is just so wrong!! 🤔😉 “Be anxious for nothing . . . ” Why? How? Because “the LORD is at hand”! How else? “By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.” I can’t read the Greek or Aramaic, but I think the people who numbered and punctuated the verses blew it! That part of v. 5 should have started v. 6!
Good observation! I’ve often been guilty of quoting just Philippians 4.6, 7. I’ll try to include those five words from verse 5 from now on. In these days, it’s good to know that “The Lord is at hand.”