FEBRUARY 6, 2006
by Pastor George Van Alstine
A few weeks ago, I was preaching on Philippians 4:4-9, where Paul talks about adjusting our attitude (verses 4-7) and our values (verses 8-9). These adjustments, Paul promises, will lead to our experiencing âthe peace of Godâ? (verse 7) through the constant companionship of âthe God of peace (verse 9).
To illustrate how calm and contented we can be when we are properly adjusted, I used the example of a pet cat purring because all her needs and wants have been met. (I attached the disclaimer that I am definitely not a cat person, but I respected the furry creaturesâ ability to be totally relaxed).
Recently, Shelly Lee, a new member in the ABC family, an English Literature teacher, passed on this poem to me. D.H. Laurence (1885-1930) entitled this work âPAX,â? which is the Latin word for âpeace.â?
All that matters is to be at one with the living God
to be a creature in the house of the God of Life.
Like a cat asleep on a chair
at peace, in peace
and at one with the master of the house, with the mistress,
at home, at home in the house of the living,
sleeping on the hearth, and yawning before the fire.
Sleeping on the hearth of the living world
yawning at home before the fire of life
feeling the presence of the living God
like a great reassurance
a deep calm in the heart
a presence
as of the master sitting at the board
in his own and greater being,
in the house of life.
I can almost hear all the Messenger readers purring together right now. Our Lord is truly âthe God of peace.â?