God doesn’t call us to worry. However, when we do find ourselves in a place of worry, or even despair, it’s here where God often reveals Himself to call us out, and lead us to a place of peace that surpasses all understanding.
A Peace the World Cannot Give
It’s a peace the world cannot give. You can circumnavigate the globe, many times over searching for it, with all its pleasures and passions.
But ultimately, . . .
There is nothing this world offers that can fill a hole in your life that only God can fill.
While having His last supper with His disciples, Jesus told them . . .
† “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 NLT
When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church in Philippi, He also gave them hope. It was the hope that experiencing a peace from God that surpasses all understanding is truly possible!
How is experiencing a peace from God made possible for us?
First, it begins with building into your life the habit of rejoicing in the Lord Himself, and in His sovereignty over all things in heaven and on earth!
† Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
We need to remember that, . . .
The Lord is exalted higher and far above anything you and I could ever be challenged with here on earth.
He is in total control of our circumstances. We can trust Him to be the God who causes all things to work together for good, for . . .
† We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
The next thing Paul urges the Philippian believers to do, is to let their gentle spirit be evident for all to see because the Lord is near.
The Spirit of the Lord Himself dwells and lives within the believer. He is present within us 24/7. And every morning we wake up, we are closer to that day of the Lord’s return than we were the day before.
We don’t have time to waste on worrying itself, which really adds no value to our lives. We need to seek that divine peace that comes from God Himself.
Through Paul, the Lord then calls His disciples to not be anxious about anything, but in everything to bring their prayers and petitions, with thanksgiving, before God.
The Great Exchange!
The Word then reveals how a GREAT EXCHANGE can take place. It’s a promise that when we present our prayer requests before God—things weighing heavy on our minds and in our hearts—He will grant unto us a peace that comes directly from Him. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
Where are you at today?
Are you in a place of worry, maybe even despair today?
God has not called you to stay that place of worry or despair.
He would rather you hear His voice calling you out! In His great love and power, He can and will meet you wherever you’re at today. And He would do this just so that in His grace you might hear His voice calling you out of that place of despair and to that place of peace that surpasses all understanding.
It’s a GREAT EXCHANGE waiting to happen!
All of your prayers, worries and concerns in life, given the opportunity to present them before God, with thanksgiving. In exchange, God promises a divine peace that promises to guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Let me encourage you today:
Get a 3×5 card. Any piece of paper will do. Make two columns. Write your requests in the left column and God’s peace in the right column. On the top of the card write “The Great Exchange.” Then lay your hand on that card and make your requests known to the Lord.
When you learn to build this habit into your life, you can expect God to show up and impart a greater measure of peace into your mind and into your heart. It’s a gift the world cannot give, a peace you don’t have to jump through hoops to experience. It’s a peace already purchased through Christ’s death and resurrection, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
A Verse Worth Memorizing:
† Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
Let me PRAY for you!
Almighty God, we rejoice in the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord over all things in heaven and on earth. We take comfort in the truth that He is near, dwelling and living within those who have received Him.
Lord, we ask today that You would quiet our hearts and grant unto us a gentle spirit that finds its source in You. Let the truth that You are near, swallow up any and all anxiousness we may be experiencing right now in victory!
As we lay our hands upon our requests this day, I pray for a blessing of peace, Your blessing of shalom—health, wholeness and well-being—for all who are joining me in this prayer. Whatever challenges they may be facing or dreams they may be holding on to, Lord, please grant them that Great Exchange Your Word promises as they bring their requests before You. Give them that peace which surpasses all understanding; that gift the world cannot give; Your peace to guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus. In Your name, we pray. Amen!