Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God ... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Unfortunately, much of the talk about peace today has nothing to do with the peace of which Paul speaks. He is not referring to the spurious peace that makes daily headlines, nor was he even speaking about the peace that should exist between brothers.

He is speaking, rather, about the peace that exists between God and the forgiven sinner -- the peace of reconciliation, the peace of which the angels spoke above the fields of Bethlehem, the peace about which we sing: "Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." It is a peace that Paul admits cannot be described: it "transcends all understanding."

What does Paul say about that peace? Literally, he says that "the peace of God shall stand guard over our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." It will not permit the troubles of this world to overcome us. Like an armed sentinel, God's peace will guard our hearts through faith in Christ. Fear, anxiety, and distress may seek to overwhelm us, but the peace of God, standing guard over our heart, will prevail. The peace of which the hymn writer wrote will always reassure us: "This child of God shall meet no harm."

PRAYER: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your peace forever guard my heart. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 39-40    Mark 4:21-41

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