The Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~Phillipians 4:6-9

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. There have been so many times when I have said to myself,"I can't wait to experience that kind of peace someday." What I have come to realize is that I already have experienced it. In my mind, it's like being in the eye of the storm: a place of calm with chaos all around. Some of us look forward to better times, being healthier, or being okay in the secular sense of what okay means. God has given me peace,and I would venture to say that He has given it to many of you as well. I cannot count how many times I have had several serious things go wrong at the same time. Any one of these things could push someone over the edge, but through God’s strength I have been able to find peace. Even in the midst of uncertainty, worry, fear and heartache,I can see how many times in my past that this passage has been realized in my life.

This peace may not last very long; the earthly world doesn't allow that. Those days, hours, or even moments when I feel fine, and have that feeling of almost floating along, is the peace that my Savior promised me. It's kind of funny when I think about it now, because God really does always answer my prayers. When I ask him to guide me, He does and often to somewhere I would not have chosen on my own. When I ask Him to intervene, He always does and sometimes in ways I don’t like. When I pray according to His will, that is exactly what I receive from him. In the long run I know that He lets me go through the valleys to make me grow and help me become the person He wants me to be.

I can only imagine what it will be like to have eternal peace someday. In those times when the chaos around me doesn't matter, I think He is providing me a glimpse of what is in store for me. When I only focus on what is pure, lovely and true, that feeling lasts longer. Nothing else and no one else can take me to that place of peace. I hope and pray that you have that peace as well. I want you to know my God, one who so loves me and who is merciful, faithful and true. I wish you the depth of love and understanding that only He can give, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.