A Thought For The Week Of October 13

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) Just before this verse, Paul writes that we are to "rejoice in the Lord always." Then, in v.7, he tells us that we should have "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding." That helps me to understand what it means to actually "rejoice in the Lord." It's not a raucous, shout out loud, party kind of atmosphere. It's quiet, reverent and peaceful. That teaches us a little bit about worship too. Is worship in the church intended to be mere entertainment, getting people to stomp their feet and clap their hands and shout out loud? Or, is worship to be an invitation to a joy actually characterized by peace? Is our life of faith to be lived as an in your face celebration, or is it to be a peaceful contemplation? Interesting thoughts. Of course, more and more people seem to want something loud and in your face, but when you think about it isn't the opportunity to experience "joy" in that sense ever present in the secular world? I wonder if the best and most helpful and most faithful thing that the church might be able to offer isn't actually an escape from noise and raucousness, and an invitation to quiet and peaceful contemplation. There are, after all, few opportunities for that when we're surrounded by the noise of the world. That won't likely be a popular perspective, but I do wonder if it isn't true. It's at least something to think about. And I've been doing some personal reflecting recently on happiness and its connection to biblical things like peace and contentment and joy and thankfulness. It was, after all, Thanksgiving here in Canada just yesterday. Real happiness isn't summed up by the worldly or secular understanding of the word. Real happiness is expressed in peacefully rejoicing in the presence of God. Real happiness is being at peace; knowing that God is with me. I hope that all of us can experience that kind of happiness and joy in the days to come, as we quietly contemplate God's presence in our lives. Have a great week.