Peace is not the absence of chaos; it is the tranquility of your spirit in the midst of chaos. You can be surrounded by crime, pain, tragedy: in a word, chaos, and still have peace. How can you possess this type of peace? In bearing the fruit of the Spirit; that’s how. Jesus explained that in the world you would have tribulation, but in Him you would have peace![1]
The peace of God surpasses all understanding.[2] The world cannot comprehend this type of peace, although they search for it like Ponce de Leon did the fountain of youth. And just as his efforts were futile, theirs will be too, until they first receive the Holy Ghost and then bear fruit. This type of peace is often balked at because one may appear aloof to the negative things in life. But it’s not that at all. Those that bear the fruit of peace sleep soundly in spite of problems, troubles, or adverse circumstances. They feel the pain from these, but do not respond negatively to them. It’s like the little girl caught underwater near the blades of the engine. When asked if she was afraid she said, “No, I knew my daddy would save me.”
Walk with me on the path to peace, and let’s examine what you need to do to accomplish surpassing peace…
Always Rejoice
The first step on the path to surpassing peace is learning to always rejoice. Paul preached, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!”[3] This is especially easy to do when everything’s going smooth. But what about when thing’s go wrong? Well, for starters, don’t go wrong with them. Learn to find the blessing in spite of the circumstance. Learn to see above and beyond crisis to see Christ.
The dilemma of always rejoicing is that some may think and even say that you’re not facing reality. How can anyone rejoice during a crisis or tragedy? Let’s ask Job. In just a few short minutes, everything he owns and everyone he loves is taken from him in tragedy. Only a few servants survive to bear the bad news. But in the midst of all this tragedy, Job stands to his feet and worships God saying, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. BLESSED be the name of the Lord!”[4] The Bible further records that Job did not charge God foolishly or sin.[5]
Be mild-mannered
Remember the old Superman™ comics? “We find Clark Kent: mild-mannered reporter of the Daily Planet…” As Superman, Kent was able to leap of tall buildings, fly around the world, endure all sorts of inhumane experiences, and save the planet from impending doom. As Clark Kent, he was mild-mannered, easy-going, etc.
The next step on the path to surpassing peace is to be mild-mannered. Be gentle and kind. Be reasonable in your dealings with others. The Bible declares, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”[6]
Let your kindness be such that others may see it. This does not mean that you should make a flamboyant display of it. Instead it should be such a characteristic of your life that it is constantly and consistently visible to others. The word moderation comes from the Greek word EPIEIKES and refers to restraint on the passions, general soberness of living, and being free from all excesses. You are to govern your appetite, restrain your temper, and be examples of what is proper for people in view of the expectation that the Lord will soon appear for His Bride.[7]
God is coming soon. Our society is rude. Being mild-mannered is one way we exemplify Christ to a world that otherwise doesn’t know Him.
Don’t worry – be happy
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.[8]
Yeah right! Don’t worry about anything. Does the Bible really mean that? Yes it does! Worry is a serious enemy of God and it proves that God is not first in your life. Matthew 6:33 records a much quoted verse: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
But don’t miss the contextual point as so many do. The verse is nestled in a thought Jesus is presenting about not worrying. Go ahead and read Matthew 6:24-34… I’ll wait…
See what I mean? God is saying, “Don’t worry about anything!” And yet, many think they can be the general manager of the universe and worry about things. But let me ask you a question, and I would like an honest answer: “When was the last time your worrying helped the situation?” Worry is like rocking back and forth in a rocking chair: you’re making movement, but you are not going anywhere, and certainly not accomplishing anything but ulcers and headaches.
To be fair, Philippians 4:6 does tell you how to deal with your worries – take them to God in prayer, with supplication and thanksgiving. For example: “God, I’m working overtime trying to pay bills. I do give my tithes and offerings cheerfully, and will not stop doing so. However, I just want you to know that the electric company called and I’ve got a month to pay the bill or my power get’s shut off. I don’t know what to do. I’m working all the hours I can. Being a single mom, I cannot work anymore than I already am – I have to raise my kids too. So, I’m not going to worry, but I need You to intervene on my behalf. I offer my thanks-giving to You Lord for all that You are and all that You do for me. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, AMEN!” Then, as hard as it sounds to do, leave it turned over to God. Don’t worry about it again. Think about it the way Solomon did…
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.[9] Notice that you are to trust God with ALL your heart: not just some of it and not just with the good things. You must trust Him with everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
And you’ll have surpassing peace
Yeah, it really is that easy. Always rejoice, be mild-mannered, and don’t worry-be happy and you will have peace that passes all understanding. But that’s not all; His peace will keep your hearts and minds too.[10] The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance adds some “UMPH” to what the word “keep” means. It is translated from the Greek word PHROUREO and means, “to mount guard as a sentinel: to protect.”[11] Now that’s a deal worth looking into. Think about it – all you have to do is three simple things and God does the rest. When the enemy tries to penetrate your mind or heart, a holy sentinel stands guard keeping unwanted worries out. God doesn’t necessarily remove the problem. He sometimes calms the sailor and at other times calms the storm. He’s Sovereign.
Maintaining your peace of mind
This is important, because many seem to lose the peace that God gives. The answer to maintaining surpassing peace is all in the mind. You have to think on things. True things, honest things, just things, pure things, lovely things, things of good report, praiseworthy things, and virtuous things are what you MUST think on to maintain surpassing peace.
If you dwell on negative things, negative mindsets will come out of you mouth and in your demeanor. If you constantly worry about things, you will speak doubtfully about your situation. You have the power to choose which set of “things” you will think on. It’s up to you.
[1] John 16:33
[2] Philippians 4:7
[3] Philippians 4:4
[4] Job 1:20-21
[5] Job 1:22
[6] Philippians 4:5
[7] Taken in part from Barnes Notes on Philippians 4:5
[8] Philippians 4:6
[9] Proverbs 3:5-6
[10] Philippians 4:7
[11] Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (#5432)
