“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
I don’t remember when I first noticed the questions marks in an old hymn. Once I did, I better understood the words of the song, which helped me begin to understand God’s peace. The hymn is “Peace, Perfect Peace” written by Edward Henry Bickersteth in 1875, and these are the questions asked:
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- “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?”
- “Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?”
- “Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?”
- “Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?”
- “Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?”
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How can we have any peace at all when discouraged by the darkness of this world, overwhelmed by our busy lives, crushed by grief and loneliness, and anxious about the future? The answer given in each verse of the song is the same as Philippians 4:7 — in Christ Jesus. Only in him can we find true peace. Additionally, Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
It’s not possible for our limited human minds to fully understand God’s gift of peace to our weary souls. Nonetheless, when we give our burdens to God in prayer through our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can experience that gift. After all, God wants his children to have peace of mind! And once we have it, that peace shines like a beacon to those trapped in the turmoil of this “dark world of sin.” Not only will we live a better life, we can draw others to Jesus so they can have it, too.
Father, help me to seek your peace through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving and through my relationship with Jesus. Please let me remember it’s not only for my soul’s benefit but for others desperately needing the peace that only you can give. Amen.
By Katy Huth Jones
Used by Permission
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