“Nov 15, 2024 - The Peace that Passes Understanding”

Thursday, November 14, 2024

The Peace that Passes Understanding

Reading:  Philippians 4:1-7
    
    Paul attempts to resolve a personal conflict from a distance:  “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord”(Phil 4:2).  We do not know what the difficulty between these two women involved, but Paul does not declare a winner.  He just wants them to make peace.   The fact that the letter is intended to be read publicly makes this rebuke especially powerful; now everyone is involved in their personal problem.  In personal disputes, who is right is not nearly as important as a willingness to “agree in the Lord.”  This implies direct conversation, a willingness to listen to one another, the humility to admit fault, and a desire to be reconciled.

    Paul moves from peace in the congregation to inner peace:  “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”(Phil 4:6-7).  God wants anxiety to be channeled into prayer.  Rather than wallowing in the uncertainty and challenge of what troubles us, we ask God for his help.  We combine our requests of God with thanksgiving, appreciating what we already have.  Even if God does not directly or immediately answer our prayers, we will now have “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” to “guard (our) hearts and (our) minds”(Phil 4:7).  God wants Christians to be at peace rather than anxious and promises that he will give peace to those who bring their needs to him.  We may not be able to understand all the ways this works, but Paul urges us to try it anyway.

    Anxiety and peace are pressing concerns for all of us.  We face overwhelming situations and often feel helpless in the face of an uncertain future.  Paul’s teaching helps us be constructive.  What are we thankful for?  What can God do about it?  What exactly do we want God to do for us?  We can leave our concerns at his doorstep, confident that he will give an appropriate answer in response.  We move from the realm of unfocused anxiety toward God’s peace.

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One Thing to Think About: Do I pray my worries?

One Thing to Pray For:  God to relieve my anxiety and give me his peace
 

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