Guarding Peace

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬

I remember when I was a child my mom would always ask or demand for “a little peace and quiet”. Maybe it is just me, but there are times when complete chaos can be surrounding me, and I still feel peace. There are other times, I can be in total silence, alone with no peace at all. I hope that at some point my mom realized quiet doesn’t always create peace. And it can be found even in the chaos.

I am in peace being around the joyful noise of children. I am in peace listening to anointed praise and worship, especially when it is louder than my thoughts. I have been in peace in the busy streets of Mew York City. Peace is found where God is acknowledged.

God’s peace truly surpasses all understanding. When my mom passed I really anticipated spiraling out of control because I had spun out after the death of my father. I was very close to my mother and counted her as one of my closest friends.

I didn’t understand that if I relied on Christ, His peace can calm even the worst storm. When I walked thru her death in complete peace I knew I had something; something that I never wanted to let go of. God’s peace. He allowed me to grieve and move forward in a healthy way.

So I’ve learned to let the peace of God guide
me. I take notice when I start losing it. I seek God’s direction to guide me back to the right path. I know even small shifts can move me dramatically off His path if I stay on the trajectory long enough. Some times I have to sit in the discomfort and wait when I know I haven’t changed anything and peace has left me. I need God to show me my next step. Those pains of change can be used as a catalyst to move me forward or as something I allow to freeze me in inaction.

When I allow God to direct me, He guards my heart and mind. It is another reminder that He will never leave me, as a guard does not abandon his post. His Word offers a standard I can use to measure my emotions, deepest desires, thoughts, and actions.

Prayer – Lord, thank you for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Continue to surround me with Your peace. Guard my heart and mind, in accordance with Your Word. Direct my steps and keep me on Your path. In Jesus name, amen.