GOD OF PEACE
The God of peaceG1515 be with all of you. Amen.
Romans 15:33
The MacArthur Study Bible and the Believer’s Bible Commentary both had excellent notes on this verse:
15:33 the God of peace. Just as He is the God of hope (see note on v. 13), God is also the source of true peace (cf. Eph. 2:11–14; Phil. 4:7). (72)
15:33 And now Paul closes the chapter with the prayer that the God who is the source of peace might be their portion. In chapter 15 the Lord has been named the God of patience and consolation (v. 5), the God of hope (v. 13), and now the God of peace. He is the source of everything good and of everything a poor sinner needs now and eternally. Amen. (73)
God is the source of all good things; and if we lack anything, we can ask Him.
John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.
To ask “in My name” isn’t just to add “in Jesus’s name” at the end of your petition for whatever you want. In His name means in keeping with His character, His Word, and His will.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
In accordance with His will would be in accordance with His word, the Holy Scripture. In addition, we do not choose verses like choosing a la carte in a restaurant. What we ask needs to be in keeping with the whole counsel of God. James uses the example of asking the Lord to give us wisdom:
James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
God is the source of all good things, every perfect gift.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
Peace is one of the attributes listed in the Fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, we know it is consistent with God’s word and will. Has your peace been disturbed lately by circumstances out of your control or even in a way that seems to be a direct attack from our enemy, Satan? You may confidently, boldly ask the Lord to restore your peace of mind, your tranquility, because He is the source of that peace. As soon as you realize that you are not at peace, lift up your prayer for peace while at the same time thanking God for the answer (Philippians 4:6-7).
Father, we thank You for answered prayer, especially in times of distress when it would be easy to fall into worry or even despair. We know that You work all things for our good and Your glory. Help us to live out that confidence every moment of every day by relaxing in Your peace.
Worship experience: “There is Peace on Earth” sung by Claire Ryan Crosby: