The peace that most people do not understand

Last time I wrote this note I showed how thanksgiving is the key to handling trials. Thanksgiving is one of those acts that does not come natural to a man, especially when going through great struggles. Nevertheless the bible commands us to do it as a way to be righteous.

One of the passages that lends itself to the same exhortation is Philippians 4: This chapter of Philippians is one of the most quoted chapters in the bible and some of it is very familiar to the average Christian. This is from Paul’s letter to a church he loved:

 Philippians 4:4 rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

While volumes have been written about this passage by many over the years, probably the most interesting aspect is verse 7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is a great thing to understand because it also lifts you out of your nature and surroundings and places you with the power of our savior to give us peace in trying times. We actually saw this in many areas of the bible including when Jesus walked on water and Peter came out to him. This is found in Matthew 14:22-33 when he looked at the storm and the sea around him he began to sink. As soon as he put his eyes on Jesus he was able to walk on the water as He was able to.

The idea that peace transcends all understanding is the Peace Jesus gives us in times of trouble. When all looks like it’s going wrong He gives us an unnatural (to man) peace that defies the very situation we are in. This peace is usually an unnatural calmness, a remembrance of scripture in the bible, and the comfort from the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is also putting the situations in His hands knowing that he told you to do so for your own benefit.

No matter what extreme or trials may be, He will give us the peace we need to bear it as long as we remember to look to Him.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship