THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
A significant aspect of God's providence is that those who are committed to Him experience tranquility. “Peace abound to them that love thy law, and there shall no temptation come upon them.” (Ps. 118:165). Generally, nothing fosters peace quite like an understanding of God and the attainment of virtue, which eliminate the inner conflict of desires and prevent a person from waging war against themselves. Indeed, if someone lacks this peace, even when enveloped by external calm, and without any foes attacking them, they are more wretched than anyone else in existence confronted by hostility.
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The Scythians, Thracians, Sarmatians, Indians, Moors, and other fierce tribes inflict less brutal warfare than the indecent thoughts and immoral desires that inhabit human hearts, driven by greed, ambition, and attachment to material possessions. This is so because while external battles are fought outside, the struggle within is a deeper turmoil. The tragedies that arise from within are far graver than those inflicted from outside and often wreak greater havoc. Consider how a tree is more severely affected by internal pests than by external damage, or how physical well-being suffers more from internal ailments than from external factors; cities fall not so much to foreign enemies but to treacherous insiders. Likewise, it is not the calamities from without, but the internal afflictions that plague the soul. However, the one who possesses a healthy reverence for God quells these internal battles, restrains their passions, and silences the vile beasts of wicked thoughts that dare to lurk within; such a person is assured the purest and most profound peace. This peace, which Christ bestowed upon us, is evident in His words: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Paul echoed this sentiment in his epistles, wishing grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ upon the believers (1 Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 1:8). He who possesses this peace fears not the enemy or the barbarian, nor the devil himself; rather, he scoffs at all malevolent spirits, exhibiting a kindness greater than all others, undeterred by poverty, illnesses, or any unforeseen tribulations, for his soul is fortified to face these challenges with ease.
To illustrate this truth, ponder the state of an envious individual, one against whom no adversary rises: what solace can he find? He is in rebellion against himself, tormented by thoughts deadlier than any weapon, irked by everything around him, and troubled by every person he encounters, perceiving all as adversaries. What benefit does the external world provide for him when he himself is a relentless foe to humanity, burdened by an internal war with countless internal spears and swords, wishing he could endure a thousand deaths rather than witness others basking in goodwill and prosperity? Similarly, one consumed by the urge for wealth bears within himself innumerable battles, turmoil, and anxiety, unable to experience joy even for a fleeting moment. In contrast, one liberated from such passions enjoys a serene refuge, filled with tranquility and untouched by such struggles. This is why the psalmist, delighted by this divine gift, proclaimed: “I lie down and sleep in peace.” He signifies that for someone devoid of this peace, not even the universally shared refuge of sleep is accessible; it becomes obstructed, as natural slumber is interfered with by passions that violently disrupt tranquility. Those enslaved by envy, animosity, greed, and deceit carry strife wherever they go and remain in perpetual conflict, unable to escape the internal battle; whether at home or in bed, they are besieged by a storm of inner turmoil more formidable than any physical assault, suffering anguish, cries, and calamities far worse than those faced in war. However, the righteous person experiences calm even in wakefulness and looks forward to restful sleep with joy.
What does the phrase “together” signify? It speaks to a focused inward contemplation, delving deep into oneself while shedding countless anxieties, eschewing preoccupation with the myriad affairs of life, and concentrating instead on one’s own well-being, pondering what truly matters for a human being: “for Thou, O Lord, hast placed me alone with hope” (Psalm 4:9). His declaration conveys that by trusting in future blessings and placing his hope in God, he has subdued all his passions. Similarly, Paul observes, “For our brief light affliction produces in measureless excess an eternal glory, when we look not at the visible, but at the invisible” (2 Cor. 4:17, 18). Indeed, no labor is so arduous that the anticipation of divine reward does not lighten its weight. Thus, he states, “alone hath He put me in hope.” The term “alone” bears substantial pedagogical significance.
Those who are ignited with divine love and find peace with God through observing His commandments enjoy a fulfilling life, even in the face of opposition from others. The Apostle Paul attests to this by stating, “We are oppressed from everywhere, but not constrained; we are in desperate circumstances, but we do not despair; we are persecuted, but not forsaken; we are cast down, but we do not perish” (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). Moreover, the Lord, sending forth His holy apostles throughout the world as sheep among wolves (Matt. 10:16), reassured them: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). They, having received the gospel’s mandate, spread this message far and wide. This encapsulates the essence of the praise of “great,” because “there is no temptation for them,” seeing that Satan has been placed beneath their feet (Rom. 16:20).