We are living in a day of great fear, anxiety, worry and stress, and peace can be hard to come by. But it is possible to have peace in the midst of these storms. God has given us some promises in His word and shown us how we can have the peace that passes all understanding. I have lived through some hard times in my life wondering how I could possibly be experiencing the peace I had. God is faithful to give us His peace.

One of those promises is found in Philippians 4:5-7. The New Living Translation says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts. The Amplified Classic version says, “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state].”

God has given us His peace as a gift to rule in our hearts. The peace of God can work like an umpire in our hearts, minds and emotions. When we have a decision to make and don’t know what we should do, peace can give us the answer. When our emotions attempt to throw us into a frenzy, we can choose to let peace rise up to take control. When God’s peace rules in our hearts, it calls the shots and makes the decisions.

An umpire decides and settles any question that arises in a game, and his decision is final. He decides if a player can even remain in a game. The umpire rules, and there is no arguing with him. Peace acts as an umpire in our lives. When we have questions about what to do in any situation, the absence or presence of peace gives us the answer. We can let peace rule and know we are choosing the will of God in any decision we make.

Like an umpire, God’s peace lets us know what is “safe” and what is “out.” If there’s no peace, the umpire of peace calls it “out.” We don’t have to let fear, worry, anxiety or doubt call the shots, but let peace reassure us that we are safe within His hands.

The peace of God also guards our hearts to direct our lives. Peace doesn’t mean the absence of conflict, stress or strife, but it allows us to see through the conflict and survive the stress and strife easier. We will come through safely if we depend on God’s peace to rule.

When we have peace in our hearts, we’re able to discern the perfect will of God in our lives. When peace is absent, we have confusion, doubt and turmoil. When we feel unsettled about something, we need to seek that place of peace once again. As we pursue peace, it will settle the questions in our minds. Never move forward into any situation without the peace of God.

Isaiah 55:12 says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” We have God’s assurance that He will lead us by His peace.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.