WHAT A GIFT

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 AUGUST 9, 2022




Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Often the words “peace” and “calm” are used together, but there is a difference between the two words. Being calm often depends on what our current situation is. If the day is going well, we are peaceful, which can bring a temporary calm. Calm is more of an emotional response.

 Yet, peace doesn’t depend on circumstances. In the bible both the Hebrew and Greek words for peace have a similar meaning. They mean that you have an inner calm. Things might be falling apart around you, but inside of you there is or can be an experience of tranquility and serenity. According to the Bible it is not the absence of troubles, worries or suffering that results in an inner calm, a peace. It’s the presence of God in our life.

According to our verse above this gift that God gives to us, is His peace. God’s peace protects us, cares for our inner spirit. Look at the verse again, we read the peace of God, . . . will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God's peace is like a wall of security around our hearts and minds. Remember the heart in the Bible was thought to be a sort of “control center” from which all of our decisions were made. So, when we read about the heart in the Bible, it is about the place where you have your will, your attitude, and intentions, and which is the source of your thoughts, actions and words. This heart is the core of who you are as a person. Your heart is, essentially, you.

I believe what we are told in the bible consistently is that peace is a commodity that can only be found with time spent seeking the face of God. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Our God has peace in store for us in every situation if we will choose to keep our mind, our heart, our thoughts, attentive on him and trust him.

Let us meditate today on the truth that God is our sole source of peace and rest. Allow God’s word to mold and shape your perspective.

“To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!.” Isaiah 26:3

 

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