December 18, 2019

 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).
 
    Philippi was a military colony, an outpost of the Roman Empire.  In his Epistle to the Philippians the apostle uses several military terms.  One such is found in our promise verse for today.
 
    In the phrase "shall keep your hearts," Paul uses a Greek word meaning "guard," or "garrison," as a well-protected stronghold.  In Isaiah 26:1-3 it is written: "We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.  Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
 
    God's truth, God's salvation, God's peace, are the gates, walls, and bulwarks protecting His people.  Yes, what a mighty fortress is the peace of God!  It passes all understanding.  We cannot analyze it.  The greatest student of mind therapy cannot lay it out on the table for mental dissection.  It is not arrived by mental gymnastics.  It is not a result of psychiatric therapies or yoga philosophies.  It is the peace of God.  It is the peace that Jesus knew and offered to His followers.  "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubles, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).  Our emotions as well as our intellect will be garrisoned by this peace "through Christ Jesus."
 
                                Peace, peace, sweet peace,
                                        Wonderful gift from above;
                                Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace,
                                        Sweet peace, the gift of God's love.
                                                                __P. P. Bilhorn
 
 
MEDITATION PRAYER:  "The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace" (Num. 6:26).