For some, it has to do with inaccurate beliefs about what peace is. Peace is not warm, calm feelings or a life with no struggles.
Philippians 4:6-7 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul wasn’t saying there won’t be times where we are concerned or worried.
Paul wrote the phrase in the present active tense, which implies an ongoing state. It’s the life of perpetual anxiety that he wanted to address.
– Max Lucado, Anxious for Nothing
Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Because we live in a broken world, we will have feelings of stress and anxiety. But those feelings have a cause that is intellectual and spiritual.
We have broken belief systems and habits that cause the feelings associated with stress. The belief that God is sovereign should bring peace to our hearts and minds.
Sovereignty is the term the Bible uses to describe God’s perfect control and management of the universe. He preserves and governs every element.
While some of us even are okay with the idea that God is generally in control, we struggle with the belief that He cares about our own personal life.
Psalm 139:1-5 1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
We understand that He uses all things to accomplish His purposes.
Joseph and Mary went through many things that caused stress and anxiety.
And yet, they did what they were told by God, through His angels, to do.
Isaiah 9:6-7a 6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He wants you to have peace now, and He wants you to share that peace with others.
That peace won’t come from spending your money just right. It won’t come from scheduling everything perfectly.
It won’t come from the removal of less than desirable circumstances.
It only comes from making God Lord of your life. That’s what Joseph and Mary did. They followed God’s direction, even when things didn’t make sense.
Passages to consider: Isaiah 40:28-31; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:6-8
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New Series: It’s About Time.
John 15:5; Matt 6:33; Psalm 27:8; Acts 17:24-32