May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thess. 2:16-17 (ESV)
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thess. 3:5 (NIV)
May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thess. 3:16 (NLT)
Dear heavenly Father, with palms turned upward, we receive the encouragement of these verses as our day begins, and will continue. Thank you for anticipating every challenging situation before us today; and for knowing every fear and uncertainty of our hearts; and for staying faithfully committed to cherish, nourish, and flourish us. What a loving God you are.
And as you comfort and encourage us, so we get to share this gospel goodness with others. Indeed, Father, may the mercy and grace you lavish on us in Jesus, run like a stream of kindness, through us to others. Grant us life-giving words of hope for friends in various stages of overwhelm-ment, weariness, and stress. Love through us to your glory.
Thank you for directing our hearts into more of your love and “the perseverance of Jesus.” (2 Thess. 3:5) We are so thankful that it is Christ’s perseverance, not our bare-knuckle-resolve or ability to hold on, which is the measure of our hope and the power for our callings. You saved us and you will keep us. You began the good work of salvation in us and you will complete it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Lastly, Father, we trust you for your peace, at all times and in every situation (2 Thess. 3:16). Guard our hearts with your peace; balance our stumbles with your peace; calm our storms with your peace. That you are with us, and that you are for us, is all we really need to know. So very Amen we pray, in the ever-kind, ever-near name of Jesus.
