Guarded with Peace
As we have studied Philippians 4:6-7 we have learned so much about conquering anxiety. To not be anxious, so far we have learned to: take our thoughts captive, keep our eyes on Jesus, turn our worries into prayers, connect to God by making our requests known to Him, and stay thankful and grateful as we trust Him. And what can we expect when we do this? Let’s look again at the last part of our study verse, Philippians 4:7 New American Standard:
…and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
PEACE G1515 means “a state of tranquility, harmony, security.” Mom’s doesn’t that sound luxurious-A STATE OF TRANQUILITY? I want that! Don’t you? And the PEACE of God “passes all comprehension”; in other words, it goes beyond understanding. HIS PEACE can’t be understood in light of our circumstances. Have you ever experienced this kind of peace? I have been going through a difficult trial but I have HIS PEACE through it all. If you look at my circumstances, you wouldn’t think that I could be at peace, but I am-because of Him. The PEACE OF CHRIST keeps us at peace even when our world is falling apart or our circumstances are not looking good. That’s why His peace is beyond comprehension, beyond understanding-it does not make sense.
And in this verse, GUARD means “to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at the gates).” And what does a guard do? A guard stands watch and warns the people of danger approaching. So this peace is like a guard on the wall of our hearts and minds, ready and alert against the enemy, against anxious thoughts, like a spy, spying out anything that might make our hearts wander or that might take our thoughts away from where they should be.
For a little more insight into this peace, let’s look at John 14:27 New International Version:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Jesus gives us HIS PEACE. And HIS PEACE is not as the world gives. The world only gives you peace when all your circumstances are in order, but Jesus gives you peace even when your circumstances are NOT in order. HIS PEACE is an abiding peace, a peace that you can rely on to sustain you through difficult times. HIS PEACE is always available, not just when things are going well. Because of His peace, your heart doesn’t have to be troubled and you do not have to be afraid.
So let’s LET HIS PEACE GUARD OUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST.
In His Love,
Suzanne
Mom Morsels 