Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Although in Luke 12:51 Jesus says he did not come to bring peace on earth, but division, he did come to bring peace. The Christians of the 1st Century understood this all too well. Despite being persecuted for following Jesus, they were given the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” That is the peace to endure suffering, the peace to continue in hope, the peace to serve others even when they were in need themselves. They had everything they needed in Jesus alone and we have that same peace offered to us. Do you need peace at work right now? In your marriage or with your children? In your finances? Do you actually believe that Jesus will give you his peace there? Giving our lives to Jesus and receiving His peace is part of the refining fire of the Holy Spirit.