The Peace That Passes Understanding (Part Two, #16)
“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
I’ve never really thought much about God’s peace in my life in a detailed way. It’s just been something I sometimes seem to experience and something that at other times eludes me. I think Paul is saying here in Philippians that God offers us peace at times in our lives when the natural reaction would be utter despair. Am I a person who resides in God’s peace in Christ Jesus? Do I sometimes mistake peace for apathy? Or resignation? Or detachment? Do I sometimes (or even often) give into anxiousness and worry? How can I truly know the peace of God and have it guard my heart and mind in Jesus as Paul teaches?
I know when I’m not peaceful. Lack of peace is easy to identify, right? It may feel like emptiness, a stomach ache, a racing heart or a racing mind filled with doubt and negativity. However, it’s also possible to mistake true peace for other things. I might think, I never feel anxious! I have “it” all under control! But apathy, resignation, detachment and even self-control can trick me into thinking I have peace when I do not. True peace is not:
A lack of feelings about something
Mere acceptance of my circumstances
Keeping “it" all together in front of others
So then, what is peace exactly? That’s what I’m trying to figure out! Small words are often very difficult to adequately define don’t you think? I’m guessing that our inadequacies of defining and fully understanding some words is because the essence of these words come from the mind of God. These little words are deep, complex and beautiful beyond our full comprehension. Yet, on some level we must understand these words if we are to embrace them.
According to Holman’s Bible Dictionary, “peace is experienced as an inner spiritual peace by the individual believer (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; Romans 15:13 ). It is associated with receptiveness to God's salvation (Matthew 10:13 ), freedom from distress and fear (John 14:27; John 16:33 ), security (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 ), mercy (Galatians 6:16; 1 Timothy 1:2 ), joy (Romans 14:17; Romans 15:13 ), grace (Philippians 1:2; Revelation 1:4 ), love (2 Corinthians 13:11; Jude 1:2 ), life (Romans 8:6 ), and righteousness (Romans 14:17; Hebrews 12:11; James 3:18 ).”
Phew! That’s a lot of references to research and think about! For now, I’m pondering Philippians 4 which teaches,
“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.”
I am leaning on these verses to lead me into God’s supernatural peace. Paul seems to be saying here in Philippians that there are steps to knowing God’s peace…
Rejoice in the Lord.
Embody gentleness.
Remember that the Lord is near.
Try not to worry.
BUT, when I worry or feel anxious as humans are prone to do, pray with thankfulness.
Let God know the desires of my heart.
AND! And! And then what happens?!?! The impossible-to-understand-peace-of-God will protect, defend and shield me!
I have found that God is faithful in His peace-giving when I follow this model!!! It’s not a one time thing though! The steps from Philippians 4 may need to be repeated over and over in one day or even in one hour! When I do not stop to pray, rejoice and trust, my anxiety grows and peace alludes me. Have you experienced the same? Our God knows us and our sufferings inside and out. Go to Him. We can trust His ways today and always! If you see me anxious and lacking peace, please remind me of this beautiful scripture.
