"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7 NKJV
There are so many thoughts that come into our minds each day, that it is hard to process them all. They come when we least expect them but, where do they come from? We have a very complex brain that is working non-stop throughout our lives. It is what gives us ideas and the ability to be creative. It is what gets us through life. However, what about the inner words that just drop into our minds?
Pastor Steve Furtick, in his exciting book Crash the Chatterbox, says, 'It is in the mind that the transmission of God's plans for our lives either succeed or fail.' In other words, what we listen to and, accept, will determine how well we do. We can be going about our day when suddenly words come into our minds, such as: 'You're useless, you will not succeed in what you have planned. You know that you can't do it.' So we don't have to be a rocket scientist to realise where those words are coming from - the pit. Satan does not have the capacity to pay us compliments. He is so full of, pumped up hate and selfish glory that he cannot pay compliments to anyone, except of course, himself.
So why do we fall for them? We consider applying for a job but straightaway, we may hear. 'It's a waste of time, you'll never get it; and even if you do, you won't last long.' People can also say negative things to us such as, 'It's no good going to Uni; it'll be too much for you and I don't think you can do it'. Then of course, there is the gossip type of words that filter through your mind, 'That man does not like you, he's out to hurt you, watch him.' Now that kind of word, can be a warning from the Holy Spirit but, it may not be. Once again, Satan may be pulling your strings to make you suspicious about someone who may well be innocent. You need discernment.
Isaiah 26:3 says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.' Note the words, 'stayed on'. This means that as we fasten our attention, totally and every day on Jesus, He will help us by giving us Shalom - perfect peace. This is the type of peace that Paul mentions in our text today. It surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. Surpasses means, 'to do more than, to be superior or to be greater than.' This is the type of peace Jesus offers us. It will 'guard' our hearts and minds. In other words, this peace takes care of us and watches over us and helps us to know the way to go. It helps us to be calm in the midst of chaos.
We will always have words come into our minds. Often they are the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, directing us what to do, where to go and how to do a certain thing. But, we will always have other words come into our minds. Now these may be full of things you need or want to do, like a project or going on holiday. They may also be your own frustration, allowing yourself to become uptight over such a small thing. However, they may well be negative, full of condemnation or accusation.You will know where that one is from.
Learn to know the difference. It can be a minefield but if you stay close to Jesus, He will stay close to you; giving you that peace that surpasses all understanding.
Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard
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