The Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

The Peace That Surpasses All Understanding       November 17, 2024

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Why do the hearts and minds of Christians need to be guarded (protected, kept secure)?  Because they are easily affected by the negative influences and circumstances that Satan puts them in from time to time.  When Paul writes these words of encouragement he is in prison for the cause of Christ.  It is here that he shares with us how he has learned to be content in all circumstances (4:11).  His arrival at contentment and peace came when …

He Rejoiced Always In the Lord.  Even when one’s situation is difficult and even sad Paul was able to find reasons for rejoicing.  It’s interesting that Paul emphasizes this twice which may be to re-instate that yes, Christians always has reasons for joy even in sorrow or while going through troublesome times.

He Let Others Know How He Handled Difficult Situations.  The guards looking after Paul would see a different person than they saw in other prisoners.  Instead of hearing a disgruntled, cussing prisoner they saw one who was unaffected by the  circumstance he was in.  In fact, they witnessed a person who was kind, humble and in every way like Christ.  He was positive in a negative situation and the way he handled that situation was known not only to the guards, fellow-prisoners but also the authorities who imprisoned him as well as his church family.

He Realized That God’s Nearness Was Not Barred By Prison Walls.  Wherever he was Paul knew God was right there with him.  He was never alone as long as He kept busy for God in whatever way he could (John 8:29).

He Was Anxious For Nothing  & Always Prayed With A Thankful Heart.  He was determined to not worry but remained focused on the joys of the Christian life.  With such an attitude he then experienced this amazing peace that continued to fuel him for the rest of his Christian life unto eternity. That same peace is available to all who put their faith and trust in God in all circumstances as Paul did (Philippians 4:13).                            Brian Thompson