The Peace That Passes Understanding (Part One, #15)

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. - Philippians 4:4-7

If a “stoic personality type” runs in families, it seems that my family of origin is awash with it!  As I was recently reading God’s Grace in our Suffering by David Powlison, I felt a guilty-as-charged punch to the gut when I read, “For stoics, God’s control over suffering rationalizes cool detachment.” As a Christian, cool detachment is obviously not the goal!!! I know from “personal” experience that stoic-type Christians (for lack of better phrasing) are often praised for seeming peaceful and accepting.  Cool detachment can look like peace from an onlookers point of view.  However, a calm exterior is not the same as the Christian peace which passes understanding.  At this point in my journey, I am reflecting upon God’s peace in my life.  What is it exactly?  How do I recognize it?  Lord, help me to truly know Your peace.

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On a slightly different note…

I’ve been in bed all day today.  As I was doing some things on my laptop, I came across a documentary about a woman with stage four breast cancer entitled, The Long Goodbye: The Kara Tibbets Story.  (The Long Goodbye) I highly recommend watching this documentary. Kara’s testimony has given me a lot to ponder.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about God’s peace in difficulties and/or your comments on the documentary.