The peace of God

“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 4:7)

In the previous verse the apostle Paul encourages the believer to pray and here we see the consequences of prayer.

A divine gift

Not earnt, not merited, not claimed and not taken but a gift given by God – His peace. Do we desire peace in our hearts and lives? Where and from whom are we looking for peace? It is beyond the ability of this world to give or maintain peace – there is conflict in nations, communities, families, marriages, friendships and even within ourselves. Christ alone can give a perfect and lasting peace.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you”

(John 14:27)

Are you longing for peace in your heart, your life and with your God? Then seek the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer, confessing your sins to Him and asking Him for that peace and forgiveness that He alone can give.

An incomprehensible gift

A gift of peace that surpasses human experience and understanding can only come from God. A peace like all peace that is defined by a lack of conflict. A peace between the sinner and a holy God, a peace that brings reconciliation and fellowship between the sinner who has rebelled and the holy God who must judge.

How is this possible? Only through the sacrifice and death of the Lord Jesus Christ who carried the sins of His people to the cross and there bore in their place the penalty of divine wrath and justice against those sins.

What an incomprehensible gift is received when the sinner in faith can sing

“He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own, He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone”

(“I stand amazed in the presence“, by Charles Gabriel)

Do you want the gift of peace with God – then seek forgiveness in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

An active gift

God’s peace guards the heart and mind from the worries, the cares, the concerns, the burdens of those who take such things to Him in prayer – how? because God’s peace reminds those who receive it of His sovereignty and His goodness.

If you are burdened, anxious, sorrowful or concerned and desire relief – the answer is to be found in prayer – God may not change your circumstances but, if you are trusting in Jesus Christ, He will give His peace.

Taken from a sermon preached at Zion Baptist Church in April 2018.