Philippians 4:7 talks about “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
I’ve always wondered how people experience that in real life.
For me, the closest I’ve come is when things were objectively stressful, but my heart felt strangely steady, almost like my thoughts wanted to panic but something deeper refused.
Curious how you would describe it.
Is it a feeling? A mindset? A confidence?
What does that verse mean to you personally?
This may sound like a cop-out, but I really don’t think it can be sufficiently described. I mean, yes, you can quote verses that can come close to describing what you are trying to say, like.
“To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah"Psalm 46:1-3
Or this.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5
Or of course this one.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
However, if you truly have experienced this peace, as the verse says that you quoted.
It really has to be experienced. When I first encountered this, I went into the wilderness to pray and just spend some alone time with God. I sang praises and was saying prayers, and remembered something a Pastor told me once. He said. “Yes, talking to God is good. However, try shutting up. Don’t forget to listen. Just be silent and see what happens. After all, God already knows what you want to tell Him.” Matthew 6:32.
So I did. There were blue skies, birds singing their songs. A gentle breeze is blowing through the branches. I did not know what to expect. A big booming voice? “My son, I have something to tell you.”?
Well, that did not happen. As I prepared to wrap it up and head out, what did happen was that everything just faded away. Literally. It was just me. No big booming voice. No groundbreaking mission. Not even a bible verse. There was nothing. Then all of a sudden, coming up from inside me, was Joy. Actual happiness. Happiness like I never felt before. I was not drunk. I was not high, I was not laughing like a fool. Just absolute joy. No worries, no thoughts. No concerns. Just peace and happiness.
Even though I experienced this, I cannot imagine if this was how I would feel 24-7. I do not think I would be able to get anything done here on earth. I would no longer even care about the earth. It was a moment I have never forgotten. Never will. But to adequately describe it? I just do not have the words.
Peter
When life kicked me in the teeth, everything was upside down, in the midst of chaos I had peace in my soul and the strength to face the next moment.
This “peace” might be contrasted with what is called the peace of the world. The peace of the world is generally being compliant with those around you so that there is no discord. The peace that passes understanding might be seen as peace regardless of circumstances.