“And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Dear Ones:
The Apostle Paul was probably one of the greatest intellectuals of his day, and yet, he would write of something that he knew, and experienced, but could not explain or understand. This is not to say that he did not know the Source of it, nor the means by which it was to be known. He was simply expressing the reality that it was “…beyond what he could ask or think,” that he could not define the bounds or limits of it, nor the magnitude of the repercussions in the life it could have of the believer. What then is this “peace that passes knowledge?”
We begin with that which is NOT. It is not just being in harmony with nature, and with our fellow man. It is not a method or a fabrication of man’s intellect, or exercise of his will, that has its origin in man. It is not even a calmness that is the result of a certain type of temperament, or “natural” disposition. Whatever this peace is, it is distinguished primarily, and singularly, by this: It is from ABOVE, and not of this earth. Why would we say this? In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes: “…but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such things there is no law.” (5:22-23) Every manifestation of this “fruit” is the expression of the life of Christ, by the Spirit. The word “peace” is one descriptive aspect of this blessed, Divine life. The peace of which Paul speaks, and that which is to be known by the believer, is that very peace of Christ, Christ’s peace. The fact that it “passes all understanding” is seen in that Christ Himself passes understanding. How can we explain Him, understand Him fully? The question then becomes, “Can we KNOW this peace?” And, “How is this peace to be known?”
When the disciples were in the boat in the midst of the storm, they saw Jesus walking on the water. What a picture of the peace of God! Here is the storm that is raging, with wind and waves hurling themselves against the little boat, which seemed to be a “hair’s breath” means of protection between the disciples, and the destructive waters of the sea. And then, there is the Lord Jesus, in perfect control, demonstrating HIS peace and calm in the midst of the storm. Sometimes just knowing and experiencing Christ’s peace in the storm, is the greatest testimony to the presence and power of God. But to return to our question of how is this peace to be known. Again, we look into the storm, and Peter’s request to come to Jesus on the waters. Was it not a request to know this same peace that Christ manifested? Was not this peace, mixed with the power of God, the outstanding and contrasting revelation of God to the very real threat of the storm? Jesus’ response to Peter was simple: “Come.” And this is His answer to us, “Come…,” and know this peace. How?
In Isaiah 26:3, we read: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN THEE.” As long as Peter’s faith was fixed upon the One who was his peace, Peter was kept in peace in the storm. It was only when he ceased to TRUST that fear replaced faith, and the peace ceased to flow. Peace is a Person, and that Person (Christ) gives His peace to the one who looks only unto Him, trusting Him for all. He is able, and willing to give us His peace, in any and every circumstance, if we are willing to look unto Him, trusting only in Him.
Dear Father, cleanse us of seeking Your blessed peace in anyone or anything but Thee. You have made the Lord Jesus to BE our peace by the Spirit. Strengthen us in our hearts to trust Thee to “keep our hearts and minds” in and by your peace, for Your sake and glory. We thank and praise Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad