Real Hope: Peace That Passes All UnderstandingSample

Peace Is The Result

The most grounded and centered state of mental health that most of us have experienced is when we experience a sense of peace. True, deep peace is experienced not just in our minds, but our whole body experiences its blessing. The Bible speaks a lot about peace. In Galatians, we see it listed as a fruit of the Spirit that, when we live in unity with the Holy Spirit, we see peace as evidence of His work in us. This, to me, is a great indicator that peace isn’t something that’s subject to our circumstances, but rather it’s the result of our faith.

In the passage where Paul is writing to the church in Philippi, he talks about peace ‘which transcends all understanding’ and goes on to position it as the state that protects our hearts and our minds. Paul reveals peace to be the result of rejoicing, letting go of anxieties (i.e. trusting in God’s goodness even when we can’t see it), prayer, and thankfulness. Peace isn’t what we strive for, but rather peace is the result of living a faith that is rejoicing, trusting, prayerful and thankful. Peace is the fruit of a life that’s growing in faith beyond our circumstances.

If our minds are filled with confusion, worry, stress, and anxiety, the solution is presented in this passage. Rejoice. Trust. Pray. Be thankful. He will do His good work and offer in return His peace that is good in all seasons.

Question to consider: To what extent am I living in a state of peace?

Written by SUSIE HOLT