The Bible tells us that the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding,” is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit, no matter what the circumstances. In difficult times when we are dealing with deep sadness or an overwhelming sense of loss, God’s peace can cover us and his children can feel his presence.
It is unexplainable, as the scripture says.. noone can understand it, but those who have gone through the loss of a loved one or overcome the worst of life’s challenges will tell you how real it is, to feel God’s peace amidst the heartbreak.
Nearly all of the letters of Paul start with the phrase “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Throughout scripture, we find that peace is defined as a blessing from God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
The peace of God can be described as a tranquil state of appreciation and faith when we submit to His commandments and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
It requires a mixture of humility and courage to experience God’s peace, seeking beyond the mere abilities of our own understanding.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5
If God is inherently peaceful, then to appreciate God is to live in His peace. The nearer we move to Him, the more of His peace we can experience.
Thankfully, the Bible provides us specific guidance about how to be closer to Him.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. Psalms 24:3-4
The peace we feel at first, when our guilty consciences are washed clean, builds as we get to know God more and more over time.
The scripture verse of 2 Peter 1:2 encourages this growing relationship with God saying, “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
When we grow in our knowledge of the wisdom and prosperity of God’s love for us, our minds and spirits develop a restful faith of His power and grace. We begin to recognize that He really will make all things work together for our good and that His pu rposes will be achieved
Adapted from www.christianity.com
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