THE PEACE OF GOD

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). To the average reader this passage may raise a couple of questions. What is the peace of God? And why can't it be understood?

God's peace is something that only He can give. In the New Testament, peace is said to come from God Sixteen times. Also, God is referred to five times as "The God of peace." God's peace is something the world cannot bring about through the threat or use of war. Contrary to popular belief, God's peace does not come through the deployment of missiles and military men. True peace must come from God. God's peace is perfect. "Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isa. 26:3). In the original Hebrew the passage reads, "Thou will keep him in peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." In Hebrew repetition of a word conveyed the idea of absolute perfection. The word translated peace from the Hebrew means: secure, tranquil, at rest; to be whole, complete; in friendship with anyone.

An illustration of such peace is seen in Mark 4:35-41. While the tempest was raging Jesus was sleeping in the hull of the boat; he was secure, tranquil and at rest. He rebuked his disciples who had awakened Him from his sleep, for showing such lack of faith. The disciples failed to realize who it was that was in the boat with them. That is how it is with so many today: they fail to seek refuge in Jesus. They look to themselves or even their governments to restore peace. They entrust their military and diplomats with the task of establishing peace. Yet, true and perfect peace can come only from God.

Church Historians record that during the times of Christian persecution at the hands of the dreaded Roman Empire, Christians, as they were dying on the crosses of Rome, would sing hymns and psalms. The Romans were baffled by such serenity. To them such peace was incomprehensible. In this sense, one can see the true peace of God. God’s peace abides even in the midst of calamity and strife. So, while there is war raging around the citizens of this world, it does not mean there has to be a cause for alarm. There is a haven where peace can be found. Jesus said, "In me you may have peace, in the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). One does not have to wait until the war is over to have peace. One does not have to wait for the storm to end to have peace. Such peace the world cannot give (John 14:27).

This incomprehensible peace comes with knowing that one's soul is right with God. It comes with knowing that one is no longer at enmity with God. God has reconciled all things to himself in Jesus, having made peace through his cross with those who were enemies with God and alienated from His presence (Col. 1:20-21). This perfect peace of God will stand guard over one's mind and heart. What a benefit it is to have God's peace. As the songwriter said, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea-billows roll, what ever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul."

Is it well with your soul today?