Does 'Peace that Passes All Understanding' Exist?

picture from Christart.com

       Perhaps I’ve told this story before, but it is important for this post as well.  I sat across from a usually quiet lady as she told me of her past- a hard life full of many difficult trials, sorrows and loss.  Just before we had to leave the break room, the last thing she said was about how she found her uncle’s dead body washed up on shore.  My mouth gaped open, not because of the news I heard but because of the great peace surrounding her as she spoke.  How was it possible?

Her peace was beyond my understanding…

       Our family was in a great trial at the time and I could not understand how she could be so peaceful when recounting such hardships.  Out of jealousy I said to God, “I don’t know how she has that peace, but I want to have it too.”  The only peace I had experienced was peace in normal or good times.  But that lady’s peace- that was peace that passed all my understanding.

       Most people cannot comprehend that kind of peace- including many Christians.  When much is going wrong, when your world is falling down around your ears, when you’ve suffered great loss or in the worst trial of your life yet there is a deep abiding peace in you, THAT is the peace that most men don’t understanding.  And I’m sure it is the peace we all really want to have, because we know in this world there will be troubles (Jh. 16:33).

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. Php. 4:6,7   (*as a well-garrisoned stronghold (Is. 26:1,3). There shall be peace secure within, whatever outward troubles may besiege.°)

       This Scripture says we are not to be anxious about anything, but the reality is for many it is a daily struggle.  Jobs, family, finances, houses, vehicles, and many other problems contribute to stress and anxiety in our lives.  These verses make it sound as if we just need to say a few words and ask God and we will have this peace.  Well, it will work when combined with faith* in God.  For years I prayed but didn’t really trust God to know what was best for me.  (*faith- pistis- fully confident and trusting- in God)

       I don’t think I have all the answers; there’s lots I still need to learn, but since I have thrown myself in the Father’s hands trusting that He won’t allow anything in my life that He doesn’t want, I have this peace (in Him Jh. 16:33) that makes even me question how I got to where that lady was.  The only answer- “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father…” (Jm. 1:17).  My Father changed me (and continues to change me 2Cor. 3:18) and I didn’t even notice.

So to answer the question, the peace that passes all understanding does exist!

Thank you Lord for that peace in my life… You are the greatest!

 

 

°JFB Commentary