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

This is the time of year people talk of peace. There are many sayings or quotes about “Peace on Earth.” You can see them written on items such as cards or also mentioned in songs. 

The holidays are just a temporary time for that special feeling of being happy, merry, and the feeling of being at peace. We all look forward to spending time with family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the festivities. 

Is this the kind of peace we want or where we find true peace? In the Bible, we find many scriptures about peace. We are told of the God of peace in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Romans 15:33. We are told Jesus is the Lord of peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16) and the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).

As mentioned in our text, we are told peace from God surpasses all understanding. This goes beyond any understanding anyone has on earth. How are we to find this peace? This is peace given to us by God.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27a).

Jesus said, “that in me you may have peace” (John 16:33a).

But we cannot receive peace without doing something. We must seek peace and pursue it, 1 Peter 3:11 quoted from Psalm 34:14.

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).

“We must strive for peace with everyone” (Heb 12:14).

If we set our mind on the Spirit it is life and peace (Romans 8:6b).

Have you ever thought that you need to plan for peace? Proverbs tells us,

“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20).

By faith, those who are in Christ may have peace. In order to obtain peace we must Love God and his laws (Psalms 119:165).

God will give us peace when we seek it, pursue it and set our minds on it. God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him.

We must “trust in the Lord forever for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4).

Hymn: Peace Perfect Peace

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