Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
From jail and uncertain of his fate, Paul writes to believers in Philippi encouraging them to hold onto their faith, their hope, and the way of living he had taught them – the way of Christ.
Humbly. Without grumbling or arguing. Putting the needs of others ahead of their own interests. Focused on eternity instead of today or tomorrow or next year. United in faith. United in perspective. United in purpose. United in service. United in sacrifice.
Despite the uncertainty of Paul’s fate. Despite the uncertainty of their own fates. Despite some Christian leaders and preachers prioritizing their own interests over the interests of God. Despite the uncertainty of what believers may experience. Resisting the lure of human security and comfort. Refusing to trust promises and solutions offered by politicians, armies, individuals and businesses and organizations and movements of means and influence. Without reliance on their own goodness or morality, however imagined or real.
Paul encouraged believers to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Regardless of anything and everything. Also, he told them: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6, NIV)
And then, he wrote today’s verse: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7, NIV)
That last verse, verse 7, sounds so nice, if only it could be real. But how do we know and live in peace when our human condition is so fragile? How can our hearts and minds be guarded from worry when our security can vanish in an instant? When there is no real security in our life, how do we find real peace?
We seek peace in so many ways. But Paul tells us there is only one that actually delivers. It’s not easy. It requires faith, diligence, and discipline. Because it goes against every inclination of our human nature.
Rejoice in the Lord always – not just when we feel good about God or when he has earned it.
Talk with God, mindful of the great gift that is ours to be able to do so and of the abundant gifts God has given and is giving us even in the worst of circumstances.
And when we talk with God, Paul tells us to freely express our fears, desires, and needs, knowing that God loves us more and better than we can comprehend; God knows and understands all, far beyond anything we can hope to comprehend; and God is able to do and accomplish whatever God desires regardless of our or anyone else’s will, power, or influence.
It is impossible to not receive “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” if our faith – in whatever measure we are given -- is in God and not anything else. I have known God’s peace. But not always. Sometimes, not for prolonged periods. Not because God didn’t give it. Not because Paul’s message is false or faulty. As a believer, the times I do not know God’s peace are when I refuse to accept it; when I insist on my way (sometimes by simply ignoring and being indifferent to God’s) or place my trust in the ways of others.
God, you are faithful. Make me faithful. Lead me in a practice of talking openly and honestly with you in gratitude for your openness and availability to me. Moment by moment. Day by day. Change in condition by change in condition. Make me faithful in you. Only in you. Amen.
-David Moorman