In John's Gospel there are two closely related passages wherein the Lord Jesus Christ

used the word "Always".

"Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me, and I knew that Thou hearest Me

always" (John 11: 41, 42). The Lord was face to face with the utter hopelessness, yea

corruption, of human nature. He stood at a tomb. Human love had done its all, but

human love could not endure the thought of facing corruption. "Lord, by this time he

stinketh, for he hath been dead four days". Yet, standing before that symbol and servitor

of death, the Lord Jesus was perfectly confident that those who stood with Him should

there see the glory of God. He knew that the Father heard Him always.

There is another passage, a passage which precedes this one both in time of utterance,

and in order of experience. "I do always those things that please Him" (John 8: 29).

Here is revealed the reason of unanswered prayer; here also shines out the character of

the perfect Saviour.

Let us keep before our hearts these two verses.  Always heard, because always

pleasing; and further, that we can be heard at any time, but for His sake.

Peace is an effect, and it must ever held in mind that "the work of righteousness shall

be peace" (Isa. 32: 17). Consequently "There is no peace, saith my God, to the

wicked" (Isa. 57: 21). Rom. 3:, which declares "There is none righteous, no not one",

also declares "the way of peace have they not known".

PEACE WITH GOD.--A sick-visitor once asked a man whether he had made his

peace with God. No, replied the man, "No, thank God, it was made for me." Peace with

God can only be possible as a result of righteousness. Man by nature cannot produce this

righteousness, and therefore cannot make his peace with God. Rom. 5: 1 gives the true

position. "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord

Jesus Christ." Note the "being" before the "having".

PEACE OF GOD.--All who have peace with God, who are fully acquitted before

God, are not always enjoying the peace of God. This is more in line with the second half

of Isa. 32: 17, "The effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever".

Phil. 4: 5-7 shows us the path to this peace. Moderation or "yieldingness" to all; anxiety

for nothing, for everything prayer and thanks, "and the peace of God which passeth all

understanding shall  GARRISON your hearts and minds through  Christ Jesus".