Peace That Passes Understanding

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

How did you sleep last night?  What's filling your mind this morning?  What are the circumstances that you face today...and in the days ahead?  Is peace prevailing in your heart...in your mind...in your life?

God promises us peace.  Peace that passes understanding...yes, peace that we can't fathom.  But it comes with a requirement for us to do our part.  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) says, "[He] will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."  The New Living Translation says "all whose thoughts are fixed on You."  Where are your thoughts fixed?  On God?  On your circumstances?  We must practice trusting.  When our thoughts stray from the Lord, when our level of trust is compromised, we must remember to "Trust in the LORD with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways acknowledge Him and He will make [our] paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)  He will give us peace.  He will give us direction.  We must look up...to Him, not out...at what's going on around us.

"Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praise worthy-think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Lord, today, please grant us peace.  Guard our thoughts and our hearts.  Help us to place our trust in You...completely.  Put a song of victory on our lips.  Keep us steadfast.  We love you.