The Promise of God's Peace
Scripture Reading — Philippians 4:4-7
The peace of God ... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
"Anything to get me through the night." According to one story, these were the words of Frank Sinatra after many long nights of tossing and turning. The man who seemed to have it all, who had fame and fortune and sang, "I did it my way," lacked one of the most important things in life. He had no peace of mind. Millions of people, both rich and poor, go through life without God's gift of peace. Some search nearly everywhere and never find it. Others try almost everything imaginable--without success. No amount of alcohol or pills can help us obtain it. No measure of fame or pleasure can guarantee it. Only God himself can give it. In Philippians 4:7 Paul tells us where and how to find this peace. We need to know the Lord Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with him. Says Paul, "In everything, 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." God's gift of peace is available for the asking. Turn your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in him as your Savior. Commit to living for the Lord each day and ask for the Spirit's guidance. When you do, you have the guarantee that the peace of God will flood your heart and mind. Don't go another day without it.
Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of peace that we can enjoy because of Jesus Christ. Help us to live for you and to help others find your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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