“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, CSB)
One prop often used in animated cartoons is a tombstone engraved with R.I.P. (Rest in Peace). That phrase, sometimes offered when someone dies, is a wish for the deceased to find peace and rest. God promises we can experience peace and rest in Him now while still drawing breath.
People seek peace of mind in many different ways. Some are obvious; some are not so obvious. Some drown their turmoil in drink or drugs. Others seek to calm the storm through meditation and mindfulness. Some seek peace in busyness, while others quietly walk in the woods. Shouting down our turmoil only lasts so long. Grounding ourselves in quiet contemplation does help, but it has no anchor and is short-lived.
There is a more profound, more genuine peace available in Jesus Christ.
Jesus invited us to rest, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, CSB) He promised his disciples, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27, CSB) One of Jesus’ many titles is The Prince of Peace.
This doesn’t mean that followers of Jesus don’t experience trouble, turmoil, conflict, loss, and heartache. We do. The difference is that we have the peace of Christ in us. We are anchored, centered, grounded, mindful, or whatever else someone calls it, in Christ. Our hope is eternally in Christ. We rest in Christ as we face whatever comes our way. We may not like it, understand it, think it is fair, or enjoy it, but Christ is our peace in the storm.
“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, CSB)
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- Philippians 4:7
- Isaiah 32:17
- Psalm 85:8
- John 14:27
- Matthew 11:28
- Psalm 29:11
- 1 Timothy 1:7
- Psalm 119:165
- Isaiah 26:3
- Psalm 23:6
- Job 11:18-19
- Psalm 91:4
- Psalm 91:10
- Isaiah 43:5
- Proverbs 3:24
- 1 Timothy 6:8
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
- Hebrews 13:5
- Promises: Need Peace of Mind? - January 20, 2025
- Promises: When a clean life is hard - January 15, 2025
- Promises: When in Doubt or Fear - January 13, 2025
