The Peace of God

Philippians 4:6,7  'Be anxious for nothing; but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' 

Anxiety is a common problem in today's world.  The pace of life and the demands upon one's time to meet seemingly unattainable goals, often conspire to place a constant pressure on people, which regularly results in anxiety.  While it is impossible not to be concerned about the cares of this world, these verses contain the solution to dealing with them, without the worry that so often besets those who do not place their trust in God.  In 1 Peter 5:7 we are told to 'cast our care upon Him, for He cares for you.'  In today's verses we are exhorted to 'let our requests be known unto God' by prayer and with thanksgiving, in confidence that He will 'work all things for our good.'  We should ask in the spirit of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's mercies and kindness to us always.  Even though God knows all about our needs and concerns, He wants us to take them to Him in prayer.  James 4:2 reminds us that we 'have not because we ask not.'  We often neglect to ask God for help or direction because we consider our needs trivial or unimportant; however, we have a God who is concerned about every aspect of our lives, down to the minutest detail.  There is a wise adage which says 'if we are prayerful in everything, we will be careful (filled with care) in nothing.'

If we are willing to place our requests before God and confidently leave them there, we are promised the peace of God.  This is a peace which transcends our understanding, but comes with assurance that God is in control, and our greatest need is no challenge for a God 'who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think.' (Ephesians 3:20)    And that peace is maintained through our relationship with Jesus Christ and the work of His Holy Spirit.

Do you regularly bring all you requests to God in prayer?

Have you experienced God's faithfulness through answered prayer?

Are you at peace regardless of the answers you get to your prayers?