PEACE IN THE PURPOSE

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Part of the meaning of ‘peace’ is nothing missing, nothing broken, being whole in every area of life. 

I expect the disciples were all reeling from the death of Jesus and needed some of His peace that following day. We’ve probably all gone through some kind of painful experience but I heard someone say this, “We think we want peace, but what we really need is purpose through the painful experiences” and I had to stop and think that one through!😊

Sometimes we do lose our peace when we’re going through the pain of a difficult season or situation, and God wants us to know that while He didn’t cause the distresses, He will bring something meaningful out of them as we obey Him. They won’t be wasted because He’s promised to ultimately turn them around for our good.😊

He reminds us to be thankful as we bring our requests to Him, and peace will be a by product as we trust Him to answer our prayers. But at the same time, we need to know God’s purposes are being worked out in our lives because that brings peace in our souls as well. It’s when we exchange our ‘want-tos’ for God’s ‘want-tos’  that we’ll know lasting peace.

As we remember the Cross, we see Jesus fulfilled God’s ultimate purpose for His life to the letter, as He laid down His will for His Father’s will, and He truly is our ‘Prince of Peace’ because He brought us peace with God.

Father, thank you for Jesus. Help us to have the right attitude whatever we might be experiencing, to know You are turning it round and giving us the victory, and for us to have peace in it - Your peace, not ours. In Jesus name. Amen.

Photo by Sunguk Kim on Unsplash