Peace That Surpasses Our Understanding
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me understand how I can achieve the peace that surpasses understanding. Amen.
Philippians 4:4-7 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! [5] Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
REFLECT:
I have mentioned before in my devotions that our first anniversary was very eventful. My wife experienced a near fatal health problem. The surgery was successful. This Scripture was the one the Bible in the waiting room was opened to and as a result I had real peace throughout. When this happened, we were in the process of moving back to Kansas and had subleased our apartment in Omaha which meant we had no place to go while my wife recuperated. The peace that God gave me through this Scripture the night of the surgery proved true. He provided all that we needed during the period of recuperation.
Friends from the church loaded our U-Haul trailer and my wife’s folks came to Omaha and drove it back to Abilene, Ks for us. Another single friend let me bunk in with him while my wife was in the hospital and an elder let us move in with them while she recuperated until she could travel again. Lastly, her folks found a cute new duplex for us to move to when we returned to Abilene.
APPLY:
The Presidential Prayer Team devotional from June 13, 2022, describes our experience so many years
ago. “If you could pull the curtain back and see all the tomorrows, you would see God’s gracious plan is
already complete. His Son Jesus is enthroned and reigning over eternity in peace. Christ’s redeeming
power over death is bringing restoration to all Earth and humanity one day at a time. Walking out that
timeline does not mean you will not have pain or suffering in this life. But it does mean you will never
face it alone. The Spirit of the Lord is your faithful comfort and guide. There is no risk in resting on His
promises, they are already fulfilled. Pray for those in spiritual crisis across America to find hope in Jesus
Christ, believing God’s promises”
If you rely on God, you can experience the peace that passes understanding.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord help me trust in you with all my heart; and to not lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) as I face life’s trials and tribulations. Amen.
WORSHIP: