Exegesis

I don’t like a lot of what Saint Paul says, but here’s a verse I love:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

My translation:

Get excited! The guy who created the universe thinks you’re great! And he’s here! And he’s given you the power to heal the sick and save others from hell! Whatever that means!

Your excitement should bleed out into the rest of the world! You may not have it all together (I, Paul, don’t ever; either does Lauren), but srsly! God is right here! And that should get you stoked and drive you to love!

So don’t freak out about anything! Whenever you’re on the verge of breakdown/stress-out, talk to God! He cares! And just say thanks, because it could be worse! And you’ve seen things worse! You know?

And God’s peace, which doesn’t make any sense at all, will cover you! You’ll feel fine when you should be freaking out! That peace will take care of you! And all will be well! Even if you have to walk through fire! Things will be alright! Because death is no threat! There’s no sting! Huzzah!

OK, but really. I sense a lot of excitement in these verses–especially that last one. I want to parse it more:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And God’s peace/care/warmth/unearthliness, which is above all understanding/logic/reasonable thought, will protect you/your desires/identity/being in Christ/the Incarnate/the Logos.

Amen and amen.