FoTS - Peace

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

Paul wrote that to the church in Philippi. Why was he writing to them about God's peace? It was Paul's first church in Europe. Dear to his heart for sure. The city had been taken over by the Roman Empire - notorious for crucifying and burning Christians. They probably ALL could have used a little peace in their lives back then.

How about you? How's your life going? A little stressful at times perhaps? King David wrote about what HE thought peace looked like - still waters.

"The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3

It's interesting when we remember that David's descendant, Jesus, would day calm an entire sea.

What does peace look like in today's world? Safety perhaps. Strong doors on our homes with sturdy locks and hinges. It might also come in the form a steady job with an equally steady income. Knowing that there will be food on the table and clothing to wear can bring peace. But that's not the kind of peace that Paul was referring to.

Paul spoke of a peace that could not be understood. A peace that "surpasses all understanding." God's peace.

And how do we attain God's peace? By knowing Him. By "abiding in Him." Knowing that our eternity is sure brings tremendous peace. We might not fully understand it, but we fully receive it.

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." - Mark 4:39 

Questions:

1. What are the things that give you peace in your daily routine?
2. Can you recall a time when you felt great peace? What were you doing?
3. In a perfect world, what would a peaceful day look like to you?
4. How can you obtain peace when your world is spinning out of control?
5. It seems that the world is never at peace. Why not?