Peace Of God

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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 4:6-7  

What is the peace of God? Before we address that specifically, we should address the difference between peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God means we are reconciled to Him by justifying grace. ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ We cannot have peace with God apart from justification which is directly related to the Person and work of Christ. God imputes the righteousness of Christ to us, and views us as being as legally righteous in the eyes of His law as Christ Himself. He has imputed our sin to Christ, and Christ has borne it, that we might not bear it. Before we can have the peace of God, we must have peace with God. The peace of God is that serenity of soul which transcends all earthly circumstances and conditions. It is what comes from God to us by Christ. This is peace that He gives and cannot be self-generated, or self-induced. It is from Him and by Him. Therefore if we want the peace of God we must look to Christ. He said to His disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’   

Great God of Grace and peace,  
we rejoice that You give us peace by Christ.  
We praise You that the peace of God can rule our hearts,  
regardless of our circumstances. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning