“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 ESV

We need to stop trying to understand peace using our human logic and knowledge. This verse tells us that God’s peace is beyond our understanding. Let’s trust Him instead of trying to figure Him out. His peace guards our hearts. His peace is active and protective.

Verse 6: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

    God’s peace in vs. 7 follows our prayers in verse 6.

Verse 8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

    “Think” in verse 8 connects to “minds’ in verse 7.

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“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ESV

    Being thankful relates to Philippians 4:6.

How does thanksgiving relate to peace in my heart? Giving thanks keeps my mind focused on God’s goodness, which leads to His peace.

What else might be ruling in my heart instead of Christ’s peace? Envy? Disappointment? Judgment?

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“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 ESV

    “Along with those”: We are to be in community with other believers.

    “Call on the Lord”: Again, relating to Philippians 4:6 where we are called to pray.

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So, what are we to do?

Focus our minds.

Be thankful.

Pray.

And the peace of God, that which we don’t need to fully understand, will rule in our hearts.