The PeaceThat Passes Understanding

We watch today as the storm clouds grow thicker and thicker around us. There appears to be a feeling that something big is about to happen. Could it be an economic disaster, an environmental catastrophe or the start of another war, possibly with Iran? We don’t know but it does seem like there is something heading our way and it can’t help but give us an uneasy feeling watching the world today and all that is going on. Paul has comforting words for us to contemplate at this time. In Phil. 4: 5-6 he says “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Our Lord Jesus is always with us. We are to give up to Him our fears, doubts and insecurities. He is our security. He is not afraid of the things that frighten us. He will help us deal with all that is happening in our lives. What a comfort. What a Comforter! “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26).

Our goal at this time must be to live a righteous life. We must walk with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not let the temptations and distractions of this world lead us astray. This will cause us nothing but anxiety and distress. David’s words in Psalm 19:14 are very wise words for us to follow, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Our goal must be to live and walk a life that is acceptable to God and He will supply all our needs.

Our Israel nations have been so blessed that we have forgotten all that God has provided for us. It is interesting though that the more comfortable we are the less content we seem to be. We start to learn to depend on the things that are making us physically comfortable to supply all our needs instead of looking to God. This is a mistake, as we cannot be content by just having our physical needs met. It is only through our spiritual walk with Jesus Christ and the assurance that He died and rose again that can give us this contentment and peace. It is not through our circumstances. Our circumstances change daily and we must learn to have rest in them knowing that Christ will see us through all things, the good and the bad. Paul said “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil. 4: 11-13). We can deal with anything that comes our way if we would just give it all to Jesus and let Him help us through it.

We must try to learn to take our mind off of our physical comforts and learn to walk in faith. Our God is in control and when we put our faith and trust in Him we can learn to experience the peace that passes all understanding. This will give us the strength to live our lives peacefully while we are in the middle of a storm. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”(Eph. 6:10). Though the storm clouds are surrounding us we can put our trust in the Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”(Prov. 3: 5-6).

When Christ is living within us we can have peace in all our circumstances. We are not to be afraid. Rejoice and be glad. The worse things get the closer we are to His return. We are to have comfort in the words of Jesus himself.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27).