We have every reason to feel fear. Anxiety. Worry. Trepidation. Every reason to be troubled in the midst of chaos. But we know something the world doesn’t, and that “something” is the source of peace that defies understanding.

Philippians 4 is full of air-tight statements. Take a look at some of the instructions Paul left us with:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4-7).

The language here leaves no room for exceptions. We are to rejoice ALWAYS. Our graciousness should be evident to ALL. We should pray in ALL circumstances and not be anxious about ANYTHING.

And what will be the result? It’s another air-tight statement – we will have unconditional peace. 

This peace, which stands in contrast to the anxiety in verse 6, is not just the absence of conflict. It is, more positively, a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being. Understanding it that way helps us see why this kind of peace “transcends understanding.” 

This Is Peace That Doesn’t Make Sense Given the Circumstances We Are In.

Now consider a scenario with me. Let’s say that you are at the local pool. You’ve had a great day; it’s been hot, the sun has been shining, and you’re enjoying yourself. You are at peace, and it’s a peace that is certainly understandable given what’s going on around you. But you are enjoying yourself so much – so logically –  that you haven’t noticed the clouds that are rapidly approaching. 

Suddenly, you hear warnings from everyone’s phones. Those warnings are followed closely by the tornado warning sirens above you.

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