In the craziness of this last week, I find it hard to experience that “peace that surpasses all understanding.” Watching all the hurricane clean-up in North Carolina, the fears and turmoil with Hurricane Milton, and the election rhetoric, I was ready for a quiet vacation on a remote island without internet access.
But as I started thinking about it, I didn’t need a vacation to a remote island… I needed God’s peace.
Sometimes, because we don’t understand the Bible, we give no thought to its meaning in our own lives. The Word of God is alive and active and has great meaning for us if we would only take time to read it. (Hebrews 4:12) Might it be wise for us to seek understanding through God’s Word? Consider this verse:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-8
I like the idea of having a peace that surpasses all understanding. All for it! That peace doesn’t come from something we concoct. The word surpass means: “exceed; to be greater than.” This kind of peace is greater than we can comprehend! I want that kind of peace, don’t you?
What would it mean if you and I had a peace that passes all understanding? It would mean that no matter what life throws at us, we can still have joy when we know that our victory lies in Jesus and not our circumstances. I think if we enjoyed a peace that surpasses all understanding we would exhibit a calmness of body, mind, and spirit that supersedes our circumstance. It’s not a natural peace, but a supernatural one.
It’s our circumstances that can destroy our peace. I tell you, when I focus on my circumstances and some of the challenges I face now, I can get discouraged. It’s in those moments of chaos that peace seems most elusive. My joy and peace will come and go, depending on the outcome of my circumstances. When I focus on Jesus and turn my worries to prayers, I can experience joy and peace, despite my circumstances.
This is a unique time in our lives. A lot is going on! The peace of God covers us like a warm cozy blanket when we stop worrying and instead pray about everything. Set your thoughts on Jesus and what He has done for you. In His presence, we find everything we need.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
Sometimes, because we don’t understand the Bible, we give no thought to its meaning in our own lives. The Word of God is alive and active and has great meaning for us if we would only take time to read it. (Hebrews 4:12) Might it be wise for us to seek understanding through God’s Word? Consider this verse:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-8
I like the idea of having a peace that surpasses all understanding. All for it! That peace doesn’t come from something we concoct. The word surpass means: “exceed; to be greater than.” This kind of peace is greater than we can comprehend! I want that kind of peace, don’t you?
What would it mean if you and I had a peace that passes all understanding? It would mean that no matter what life throws at us, we can still have joy when we know that our victory lies in Jesus and not our circumstances. I think if we enjoyed a peace that surpasses all understanding we would exhibit a calmness of body, mind, and spirit that supersedes our circumstance. It’s not a natural peace, but a supernatural one.
It’s our circumstances that can destroy our peace. I tell you, when I focus on my circumstances and some of the challenges I face now, I can get discouraged. It’s in those moments of chaos that peace seems most elusive. My joy and peace will come and go, depending on the outcome of my circumstances. When I focus on Jesus and turn my worries to prayers, I can experience joy and peace, despite my circumstances.
This is a unique time in our lives. A lot is going on! The peace of God covers us like a warm cozy blanket when we stop worrying and instead pray about everything. Set your thoughts on Jesus and what He has done for you. In His presence, we find everything we need.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
Take a listen: Peace (Bethel Music) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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