It’s early December and traditionally we hear familiar music with the lyrics “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. How does Christ get the title “Prince of Peace” and how does he enact his duties?
Lately we’ve seen so many absolute distractions, many of which seem peace threatening and even life-threatening. Wars and rumors of wars, insults and harassment, threats to our livelihood, health and well-being are all in the news and even in our physical space. We are moments away from some new disaster, plot or illness predicted to spoil our future, our children or our legacy. These distractions are merely but they are so easy to fall prey to time and again . Circumstances can tempt us into feeling overwhelmed, anxious, even forlorn.
“But God, who is rich in mercy”, made it so that we are free from these torments. We never have to worry, or grow depressed. Our King has provided us with a supernatural gift. It is His peace. It is unlike peace given by the world. [John 14:27] Like all of his gifts, its scope is beyond our imagination.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians provides the detail of how this peace works. In context the Apostle encourages us not to be anxious about anything [4:6], then he says that God’s peace transcends all understanding, that is, its functioning is beyond anything we could know. Finally, the classic Amplified Version reveals the full meaning hidden in the original Greek:
7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [AMP]
His peace shall “garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds” that is, it will fortify and keep watch over your heart and mind. This action is not passive, but active. This action is not static but ongoing as long as we live in the Anointed Overcomer! His peace adapts to your needs and carries us through our trials and tribulations. Our need is to believe it and hold fast! He is the reason for the Season!!