Twin Peaks

"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

In this world of turmoil, we desperately need the peace of the Lord. The peace that God provides does not come from eternal sources; He gives peace that cannot be found by natural means. It cannot be found through hard work and accomplishments. It cannot be found through the acquisition of power. It cannot be found in "peace accords or agreements." It does not exist between unregenerate beings because "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" - Jeremiah 17:9

Because of the deceitfulness of his heart, man cannot find peace on his own. True peace, lasting peace that "passess all understanding," comes from God, and that peace "shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." God brings His peace inside of our hearts through His Holy Spirit. It resides there and is not changed by external conditions or circumstances. When God lives in a heart, He is in charge. a heart surrendered to Him does not fear and, through His abiding presence, experiences peace during the storms. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6

When this life's problems, trials, or persecutions, arise, we do not respond with anxiety, we respond with prayer. Because we have faith in God, we offer our prayers and supplications to Him. A heart that is filled with faith is a heart that is at peace. From a position of faith we can pray as David did, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." - Psalms 23:4

As we come to God daily with our prayers of faith and thanksgiving, He meets us in that holy place, imparting His presence and peace into our hearts. This world of turmoil is passing away, but the peace of God will abide with us forever.