Philippians 4:7 AMPC
[7] 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.
Paul, writing to the church in Philippi, was reminding them of the strategic importance of a working relationship with God. It is not enough to just hear about God, or be very conversant with the letter of the law, but it is more important to let Him dwell in you and find expression in and through you. Too many times, we want to put God in a box, or try to fit Him into specific or special occasions in our lives, whilst we retain control in other areas of our lives. We want Him to only come good when we are in trouble, and at other times, we are fine with Him just taking a backseat and waiting for us to call Him. Actually, this does not work. It is either God is given the whole of life to control and manage, or He is given nothing at all. God does not do half hearted devotion. He does not accept anything less than my all. How can He properly direct a life that He does not own? How can He bless a life He cannot predict or direct?
It is in this context that the verse above is to be considered. We all need peace, but you can only get the version that your control centre is able to provide and sustain. If the world is your oyster and focus, you will only get the version of peace that the world can give. The version of the world is that which can only be secured by force, a show of strength or by wickedness. High fences may secure the border, but it cannot legislate for character. You may pay a huge amount of money to put in place security measures but that cannot guarantee you safety. The world is not equipped to give you that which only God can give you. Don't look to the world to get you what it does not have. There is a reason why the verse above makes reference to God's peace. It is from God and it reflects Him. It is His peace because He gives it without measure and without limits. It is peace that the world is unable to fathom or explain. He is able to give it to me, and also sustain it in me, by virtue of His power and might.
I note the place of salvation through Christ, as the key to accessing the peace of God. It has t to be emphasized that God holds no allegiance to those who are not subject to His authority. Citizens have a level of access to benefits that no other person has. You cannot claim the benefits of a country or leader whose authority you do not submit to or recognise. It is the authority that you submit to that provides the cover and security that you need for all of life. You have nothing to fear and you are content with whatever comes your way. There is a calmness that girds your heart that the world is unable to explain or decipher. That is the peace that stays in place even when the storms are raging and threatening. The presence of God in me keeps out all other negative voices. His peace guards my heart from the pressure the world may place on it. Do not let the world win but give God the control He needs to guard your heart. No matter what comes, if He is in charge, you are sorted. Do you have Him? God's time of favour is here.
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