And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 AMPC
The Inspiration:
Paul would also know what he was speaking of here. He had been around the block; he had both instigated and experienced violence. He had led mobs to attack those who belonged to the way of Christ; he was there when the man of God, Stephen, was stoned to death. He was on the way to Damascus to arrest those who belonged to the way of Christ when he met the Prince of Peace. This is a journey or experience that we all must have, if we must speak as Paul spoke here. Let it be noted that the foundation of this peace is salvation. How can the Prince of peace give you out of his abundance when you do not submit to or recognize his authority? This is not something you can pick up on the market stalls, or snatch at gunpoint; you don't get it by assimilation or association with other people. The only One who gives it is the Prince of peace who has been introduced to us as Jesus Christ. Popular culture can do nothing to change this.
The Contention:
With God's kind of peace, there is a contentment that the world cannot explain or define. Whilst the people of the world strive and labour for that which perishes, the one who has God's peace does not hustle without knowledge. The one with God's peace does not depend on intellect, earnings, connection or influence. S/he has found the secret to a life of impact, content and earthly and eternal relevance. This peace gives no room to fear; if God is on your side, what can frighten you? If God is on your side, it will not matter what the quality or quantity of the opposition against you is. The peace of God gives a man such calm assurance that nothing touches you without God's permission. Men may jump hoops to lay hold of that which perishes, but God can deliver it into your hands. Even if He does not give you, He always has something better in store.
The Conclusion:
That peace also is a guard. The devil knows and understands the value of God's peace in a man's heart, so he will do his best to sow the seeds of fear into that heart. At all times, I must be sensitive to the wiles of the devil, and give him no room to operate at all in my heart. If you give the devil a foothold, he can take a life. The world will not understand the reason for your calmness, but the world will be drawn to it because it does not make sense. The peace of God is able to guard my heart from all evil. It focuses my attention on God, and I seek to know more of God on a daily basis. I have that clear understanding that this earthly life is but a phase that will come to an end at some point, and while I seek to impact the earth, I must not forget my eternal reality. This balance is critical to how I see life: I enjoy all of God's provisions for the earth, but I will not be ruled by them. How's your heart? Does God own and control it? If you want His peace, let God have it. God's time of favour is here.
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