“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
Paul’s letter to the Philippians was filled with joy- his own, joy shared in ministry, and the repeated admonition to rejoice. He closes his letter with affectionate encouragement to remember what is true, and choose to settle their joy and peace there, no matter what circumstances arise. God’s peace was ready for the taking if they would turn their cares over to Him with grateful trust. (Philippians 1:3-4,18-21; 2:1-2; 3:1)
We may imagine peace as a state of serenity and stillness, when the atmosphere around us is placid, and comfortable. The Scriptures tell a different story. A calm serenity of soul often comes in the midst of angst and storms, tumult and uncertainty. It also flows out of active rejoicing and specific, earnest prayer. It does not just happen, or appear, but is a by-product of knowing the Lord is sovereign, nigh, and able to supply for every need.
Jesus brought us peace through the opposite of smooth waters. Heaven roiled as He endured the cruelty and took on the sin of the world. He died a horrific, vicious death to reconcile us to Himself. He made peace for us, so we can exercise faith and spiritual disciplines that effect the same. (Isaiah 53:3-7; Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:19-22)
Do we know His peace? Have we the right understanding of how it was, and can be, settled in our souls? If we know the peace of Christ in salvation, why do we fret and stress at hardships in our day-to-day?
How will we ‘claim’ ongoing peace through constant rejoicing, voicing gratitude and expectancy as we pray about everything, and setting our minds on all that is true and good? When will we determine to make these a rhythm in our days? Whom can we ask to hold us accountable for regular practice of these admonitions from Paul? In any dearth or threat, grief or storm, God’s peace will hold us as we exercise these duties as surely as His promises to us are true.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.” ~ Horatio Spafford (1873)
Lord, keep me consistent in rejoicing, thanking, praying, and meditating on You, so I know and convey Your inimitable peace.
