Home  > Short Studies  > The peace a Christian knows (Phi 4:6-9)

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. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.— Philippians 4:6-9

Stress and worry are major obstacles to peace in a person’s life. The challenges of making our way in this world may at times seem daunting or insurmountable, and it is our natural reaction to brood and become anxious when things appear difficult or uncertain. We all deal with worry in different ways, but those who know Christ are blessed with a perspective that provides them peace even under the most trying circumstances. That peace comes from knowing God’s truth and understanding His promise.

Times of stress and difficulty serve to remind Christians that we live in a fallen world that groans under the weight of sin. It is a discouraging fact, but allowing ourselves to become mentally mired down by the uncertainties and problems of an imperfect world prevents us from experiencing the peace God has granted us. In the above passage quoted from Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, the apostle emphasizes the things upon which Christians are to remain focused in order to counter the anxieties of life and claim the peace of God in this life.

At the heart of that peace is prayer. Our relationship with God grows through prayer and as we commune with Him, share with Him, and bring our praise and petitions to Him, we come to recognize His guiding hand in our lives and trust in His continuous presence that guards our hearts and minds and delivers peace.

Reflecting on and doing what is good and right in the eyes of God also allows one to experience His peace. As Paul urges, believers are to “dwell on these things” and put them into practice in our lives. True faith necessarily produces obedience to God’s commandments, and in turn He grants peace and removes obstacles for those who are obedient. The classic assurance of this truth is given in Psalm 1:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers. — Psalm 1:1-3

Knowing God’s peace comes down to a matter of trust. To worry is to exhibit basic human nature, but when we worry it indicates that we are not trusting in God as we should. Christians must remember that Jesus has overcome this world that is the primary source of our tribulation and in doing so He shares a peace with us that the world could never provide. Our responsibility is to trust in God completely; we are to cast all our anxieties on Him — in return He will strengthen us and bless us with peace.

While we cannot avoid trials and tribulation in this life, as Christians we know that no matter what happens we are eternally safe. This simple fact is the basis for the peace that we know, and whenever anxiety may strike in a moment of weakness, we need only recall God’s promise, the truth of His word, and trust in Him accordingly.

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Most scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB)

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