SCRIPTURE
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
SPOTLIGHT
The story is told of a man who traveled to the North Carolina mountains in order to spend a few weeks of summer vacation two years after the Civil War. He climbed a mountain and descended into a dense valley where he found an inhabited cottage which was surrounded by a large garden.
The occupants of the cabin did not want to open the door. It was only after much pleading that they finally unlocked it. Standing in the doorway were two men, deserters of the Confederate Army, who had built the cabin and lived there for almost three years. They had lived off of the land by planting a garden and hunting. Every day was marked by keeping a lookout for the conscription officer. It was a very unsettling, apprehensive way to live.
The Civil War had been over two years. Peace long had been declared, but these two men had not heard of it. They had lived in a state of fear all this time.
Is your life marked by unsettledness and apprehension? Do you live fearfully or fearlessly? Your peace was declared when Jesus Christ died, arose, conquered death and defeated Satan.
The Apostle Paul wrote the Philippian Christians a letter that is marked by joy. In the last chapter, he talks about LIFE’S GREATEST PEACE. Regardless of the circumstances, people, or things happening around you, unlimited and unending peace is available. Please note why:
1) The peace you need comes from God. Paul states “and the peace of God…” Some people may read a book, listen to music, or sleep in order to get peace. Life’s greatest peace is from God.
2) The peace you need cannot be produced by your mind. Paul states “and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding…“You may try transcendental meditation but it does not compare to God’s peace. You may buy something in order to gain peace but it cannot compare to God’s peace. Maybe you try taking a vacation or use alcohol or drugs. God’s peace is more than clever thoughts or good planning. LIFE’S GREATEST PEACE comes from personally knowing Jesus Christ, the living God. It is far better and beyond anything you could comprehend.
3) The peace of God will protect your heart and mind. Paul writes that it “will guard your heart and your minds…” The Philippians lived in a Roman colony which was guarded by Roman soldiers every hour of the day. God’s peace acts as a sentry protecting your emotions and mind from being overwhelmed by daily worry or sudden fear.
4) The peace you need from God results from being at peace with God. Paul was clear to point out that God’s peace comes from “Christ Jesus.” Paul had written to the Roman Christians saying “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Romans 5:1] God’s peace is a result of what happened when Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin. LIFE’S GREATEST PEACE was declared at Calvary. It is beyond your comprehension. Are you enjoying it?
SOMETHING TO DO
Think of what your life would be like if you did not have God’s peace. Where would you be? What would you be doing? Would you be alive? Would you be depressed or sick?
Now think of all the blessings God’s peace has brought into your life.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me LIFE’S GREATEST PEACE that has come to me because of Your Son Who died on Calvary. Truly, Your peace is nothing like anything the world offers. AMEN