threat of terror attacks, illness and aging, finances, political
conflicts, family relationships, church struggles, fears, insurance
issues, air travel impositions, job loss, gasoline prices, war,
injustice, death—these are just a few of the enemies most of us
face daily. Yet, let me also tell you what the Lord has spoken to my
soul:
“Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, NASB).
The Lord
doesn’t want us to simply possess a generalized peace, based on
having no particular problems; nor does He plan to give us a slightly
spiritual, yet human-sized kind of peace. If we follow the sequence
of obedience He presents, His intention is to shelter us in His very
own peace: the imperturbable peace of God.
The peace
of God is the deep calm that envelops the thought processes of the
Almighty. He is never anxious, always in command, never without a
remedy. He sees the end from the beginning and views the needs of man
from the position of unlimited resources and capabilities. He
perceives the needs of His children with both compassion and
confidence, for all things are possible for Him.
The peace
He gives is not only from
Him, it is an extension of Him—it is the very substance of
His peace. It is God-sized peace. It is this divine fabric that He
says will “guard [our] hearts and … minds in Christ Jesus.”
Amazing.
Some may
challenge my interpretation, but remember the Savior’s promise:
“Peace
I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I
give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be
fearful” (John 14:27).
Again, Paul
says,
“Let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were
called in one body; and be thankful” (Col. 3:15).
These
Scriptures and others reveal that there exists a place of refuge for
us, a dimension guarded by God’s very peace, where we can abide. As
we enter this realm of trust, the God of peace promises to actually
crush Satan beneath our feet (Rom. 16:20).
Of course,
we must decide what realm shall preside over us. Thus, the Scripture
says, “Let
the peace of Christ rule,” and “Do
not let your
heart be troubled,” and “let
your requests be known to God” (emphasis added). The word
let speaks
of choices we can make with realities that are at hand. Remember,
even as circumstances begin to trouble your heart, you can retreat
from fear. For the peace of God is also accessible. Take authority
over your fretting, worrying attitude, for “it leads only to
evildoing” (see Ps. 37:8). Stand, instead, in faith upon the
promises of God.
Peace is
our shield and the Word of God our weapon. Therefore, capture
negative, unbelieving thoughts that would magnify problems rather
than magnify the Lord. Our Father knows what we have need of before
we ask Him (see Matt. 6:8).
Cease
striving and know that He is God! If you are weary, come to Him and
take His yoke upon you. You will find rest for your soul. Finally,
recall Paul’s words to make our requests “with thanksgiving.”
Many have been thinking too much and thanking too little. Therefore,
let us cast our burdens upon the Lord, for He indeed cares for us. He
will make a way.
About the author:·Francis
Frangipane is the founder of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, and has traveled throughout the world ministering to thousands of
pastors and intercessors from many backgrounds. In June 2009, he retired
from his position as senior pastor of River of Life Ministries and is
devoting himself to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word. For more
about his ministry, go to www.frangipane.org.
