Experience Perfect Peace In An Imperfect Situation

A benediction is a blessing, often given at the close of a church service offering perfect peace. How important is the benediction to you?

I think for some people, it’s simply an indication that the service is finally over.

But a biblical benediction is much more than that. It’s a blessing meant to encourage God’s people as they leave and return to their everyday lives.

In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Paul offered a benediction that reminds us God’s peace is available no matter what we are going through.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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Notice where Paul said this peace comes from. He called Jesus “the Lord of peace.”

The world offers many things intended to give us peace. We might seek peace through comfortable circumstances, financial security, good health, relationships, or simply having everything go according to our plans.

But circumstances change. The peace Jesus gives doesn’t depend upon everything around us going the way we want.

Paul said the Lord can give us His peace “at all times and in every situation.”

That includes the good times. And it includes the not-so-good times.

God’s Perfect Peace in Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah also wrote about God’s peace during a time when the people of Judah faced uncertainty. Their circumstances weren’t necessarily peaceful, yet Isaiah looked forward with confidence to what God would do.

In that day, everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song: Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation.
Isaiah 26:1

That statement should put a song in the heart of every child of God.

Our security isn’t ultimately found in what surrounds us physically. God surrounds His people with His salvation. Isaiah continued:

Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter.
Isaiah 26:2

Then comes one of the greatest promises concerning peace found anywhere in Scripture.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

There it is: perfect peace in an imperfect situation. But notice the two things Isaiah mentioned.

Trust in God and Keep your thoughts fixed on God.

Our circumstances have a way of demanding our attention. The more we stare at the problem, the larger it can become in our minds.

Isaiah tells us to redirect our focus.

That doesn’t mean pretending the problem doesn’t exist. It means choosing to trust God while we’re going through it.

What to Do When Worry Comes

Paul gave us another practical instruction concerning God’s peace in Philippians 4. When worry comes, pray.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

That’s a practical response to worry. Instead of allowing our minds to continually rehearse everything that might go wrong, Paul tells us to take those concerns to God.

Pray about everything.

Tell God what you need. Bring the situation before Him. And while you’re praying about what you need Him to do, remember to thank Him for what He has already done.

Then Paul tells us what happens.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

The World Can’t Give Us Perfect Peace

Sometimes God’s peace won’t make sense when compared with our circumstances. The problem may still exist. The doctor’s report may not have changed. The financial need may still be there. The family situation may still be unresolved.

Yet, in the middle of it all, we can have peace. Why?

Because our peace isn’t based on the situation. It’s based on the Lord of peace.

Paul said God’s peace will “guard your hearts and minds.” That’s exactly where worry likes to attack us. It gets into our thoughts and then begins affecting our hearts.

But when we bring our needs to God, thank Him for what He has already done, trust Him, and keep our thoughts fixed on Him, His peace stands guard over us.