How Do We Find Genuine Peace?
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Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
-- Philippians 4:7 (CSB)
Most of us want what is called peace. We avoid interpersonal conflicts and arguments because well, they’re uncomfortable. Anxiety, worry, and inner turmoil don’t feel good. Walk into any bookstore in America, and you will find the self-help section to be massive. Books on yoga, meditation, prayer, diets, family harmony, counseling, and recovery from addiction abound. In 2023, the self-improvement industry around the world was an $11.74 billion-dollar business.
The mind is a costly battlefield.
In most Bible versions of the passage above, “will control” gets translated as guard. The CSB version comes closer to Paul’s overall meaning. Paul writes to the troubled Philippian church from jail. A Roman guard is around him at all times, escorting him to Caesar in Rome. The word refers to a Roman military guard—a garrison or fortress with a sentry at the gate, being imprisoned, or shielded.
Paul’s major point is that Jesus Himself is the peace that protects believers. Jesus promised to leave us with His peace in John 14:27. “Let not your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” It sounds simple enough, right?
We pray, read our Bibles, meditate, do breathing exercises yet the anxiety persists. Bad things still happen to godly people.
Perhaps when we are upset or worried, we should instead imagine being inside of what Paul describes. A massive fortress with impenetrable walls, a single gate, and that gate isn’t protected by a lowly newbie sentry who might get scared and run. The King himself stands there, sword at the ready.
Even the “gates of Hell” can’t win against this place. Let that complete blessing, the shalom of Jesus, control the way you think about every conflict. Things will begin to look a lot different.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, NASB)
Questions for Reflection:
1. Try visualizing being in Jesus' castle. He's not only the King, but the sentry, the gate, the walls, everything. Thank Him for that marvelous protection! Does that help you make you feel more secure?
2. Worry and anxiety by themselves aren't wrong. They're normal human reactions to situations that we often don't even invite. Where do you turn to in Scripture for comfort?
