God's Peace!

God's Peace!

Philippians 4:7 KJV

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul and Timothy are credited with writing this letter to the church in Philippi. They described themselves as 'bondservants' which is an interesting way of saying they were bound to serve Jesus. The audience was all the saints, God's consecrated people in Christ, as well as their spiritual leaders. As always, the audience will define the message. There are messages for the general crowd, who are not committed to anything, and there are also messages for the people who have made up their minds to submit to and follow Christ. For the writer and the audience, there was an unmistakable identity with Jesus. Can the same be said about me? 

For both the writers and the readers of this letter, the message is about the benefits that accrue to those who identify with Christ. Let it be repeated here again that Jesus does not promise perpetually blue skies or a life free of pressure or trials. What He promises quite clearly are His presence and power, among many other favours. What this tells me is that it is a waste of time to ask God for a trial-free life. How does He teach valuable lessons on patience and perseverance if there were no opportunities to pass through life's lessons? How do I acquire and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in all its dimensions, if the Spirit is not able to take me to school? 

It is also instructive to note that peace is a dimension of this fruit of the Spirit. It does not matter how strong the storm outside is, or how heavy the wind; what matters is the anchor of the soul. Who holds my heart in place when everything else is falling apart? Who provides support and succour when it appears that life is not fair? As already laid out, life will happen to the best of us, but who I go with on this journey will determine how well I travel and in what condition I end up. God promises me His own version of peace, which will always be different from the version that the world offers. The world may offer high fences and human security, but these cannot guarantee safety. 

God's peace is that tranquil state of a soul, where nothing outside can pollute or disrupt the calm inside. The salvation that Christ offers makes the heart calm, fearing nothing and being content with whatever it is that God brings. It is not a peace that the world can explain or fully understand, because it is not tied to the world's provision, but to heaven's confirmation. That peace is able to guard my heart and keep away any distraction. It is able to keep me sane, even when everything around me is falling to pieces. As always, like all gifts, God will not force Himself on anyone. It has to be a personal decision to surrender your heart to Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here.