"Surpasses All Understanding"

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 ESV)

This passage from Philippians is a reminder from Paul that God's peace offers you comfort and security amidst life's uncertainties.

In a Christian life, just as in a worldly life, there are struggles. Each struggle poses a distinct situation. The difference is Christ does not cause struggles for the worldly; it is the world that causes struggles for those in Christ. Christ's victory assures us that He has secured us who believe in His peace. The advantage the true Christian has is that the peace of God overcomes all struggles when we truly place our trust in the assurances of our redemption in Christ.

Yes, the world's many struggles can become overwhelming. Social changes in our lives can cause major stress and anxiety as to what we are to do in response to these changes. Sometimes the damage is permanent, which I believe is why our younger generation of believers struggles with these circumstances. Many were younger when the pandemic caused the greatest structural changes to our society in a very long time, and the residual impact is very real.

But the peace of God can overcome all of this just by the very nature in which we receive it. One must believe with a changed heart that Christ resides in us. The Holy Spirit is alive and working in our lives daily. Admittedly, it can take us some time to mature in Christ to the point where the majority of our worries are dispelled by remembering that God provides all things for us, even our very lives.

In Romans 5:13, Paul wrote, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Our believing comes through God’s grace, and as we grow in Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to have a greater hope than we could ever have imagined.

Some troubles leave a mark on us, like the sin of David being “ever before him” (Psalm 91). The witnessing of severe things can cause trauma that is difficult to shake. It can remain, “ever before us,” a video or memory that forces its way into the front of our mind. Have heart, Christ can take away even the most severe trauma if you let him. It is in these times that the enemy stalks us, looking for a chance to question who and what we are. He mocks and chides us, “How can you be a Christian thinking such things?” Peter wrote, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1Peter, 5:8)” His desire to consume us is great, but there is nothing that can overcome the peace of the Lord once we accept that this fact is true.

The sober mind is, in part, but not only, free of alcohol or intoxicants. The Greek translation is néphó (νήφω) and according to Strong’s Concordance (3525) means, “having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled)” So how does one maintain a presence of mind that is clear in its judgment and self-controlled?  By centering Christ in their lives. It is done by reading scripture regularly, so we come to understand exactly what Christ has given us, and have trust in the never-ending peace and love of God, which exists for all believers.

Worldly troubles will come and go. Some leave an indelible mark upon us which causes us issues of fear and anxiety, but friends, Christ can overcome all things, and in time, I pray you will feel that transcendent peace of Christ cascade over you. But you must let it, you must come to understand, believe, and trust in the peace of the Lord, which “surpasses all understanding” and will continuously “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We do this in every aspect of the Christian life: in scripture study, in worship, and in our prayer time with God.

Trust in a worldly relationship is earned; Trust in Christ is given but becomes stronger as we learn more and more about our living, holy, and loving God. If you do not know Christ as your Savior, seek Him now and come to understand the grace and mercy of God, which gives you the insurmountable peace found in Christ Jesus.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!