Experiential Peace

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:6-7  

            When it seems as though your whole world is crashing down on top of you it’s very hard not to be anxious. Look at Job in the Old Testament. He lost everything and was then afflicted with boils. You really can’t get much lower than that. In the face of such tragedy and pain Job proclaims in Chapter 1, verse 21: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Paul tells the Philippians not to be anxious or worry regardless of the situations they encounter, but rather turn to prayer as a course of action. We are to be thankful for each set of circumstances we find ourselves in and know that according to the word of God, we shall be at peace if we pray for it. If we focus on our circumstances, we may tend to panic, but if our focus is on the Lord and His promises, calmness will begin to fill us, and we will be at peace. This peace cannot be explained; it certainly makes no sense to the non-believer. 

            To ‘transcend’ means that it exists not in a physical sense, but rather in thought or idea. Peace isn’t something you can experience with your senses but is instead a feeling that comes over you and invades your mind and heart. This is what is meant when Paul says that God will guard your heart and mind. Peace will reside there. It will be experiential. It’s a learned thing. Lasting peace that transcends your being cannot be purchased or found anywhere but with God. It truly passes all comprehension. 

            In the face of multiple tragedies Job was at peace. He realized that all that he had was from God and that God had the right to take away what He had given him. Everything we also have is from God, yet we fret and moan when we have anything taken from us. We blame God as if we had earned it ourselves. We must understand that everything is the Lord’s. He graciously gives us that which we have and needs us to be good stewards of it. The next time we are faced with trying situations, give it up to God and know in your heart that He will take care of you. He will fill you with His peace if you ask for it. Make things a matter of prayer. Speak to Him as you would to your father, for He is your Heavenly Father. Pray believing and not with skepticism. He loves you and cares for your needs.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries