What is the peace that passes all understanding?

Answer

In Philippians 4:7, there is a wonderful promise: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” It is crucial to consider the context of this promise, as that is where we encounter the condition: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (verse 6). God’s peace is pledged to safeguard those who pray—while giving thanks—about everything. This peace will exceed our capacity to comprehend it.

There are other divine gifts that are beyond our full comprehension. The gift of salvation is “indescribable” «Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.», (2 Corinthians 9:15). The intricacy and wisdom of God’s plan are unfathomable (Isaiah 55:8-9). According to Ephesians 3:19, the love of Christ is something so immense that we will never fully grasp it. Similarly, human reasoning cannot entirely comprehend the peace of God.

The believer who places full trust in a loving God and remains grateful in every circumstance will experience a supernatural peace. An inner tranquility will reign in the heart. The devoted believer will experience peace—having their heart and mind “guarded” by it—despite the storm raging outside. Most people, especially those outside of Christ, will be unable to understand that peace. To many, it will remain a mystery how someone can be so calm amidst chaos.

The peace that arises from being in a right relationship with God is not the same as the peace of this world. The world’s peace is contingent on favorable circumstances: when things are going well, we feel peaceful; but when things go wrong, that peace quickly vanishes. Jesus made this distinction clear.

Between His peace and the world’s fluctuating peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” «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 troubled, neither let it be afraid. », (John 14:27).

God’s supernatural peace surpasses natural understanding. A cancer patient who experiences a remission of the disease may proclaim, “I am so thankful to God!” That is praise. A cancer patient who is dying and in pain may calmly say, “Everything is all right. I claim Romans 8:28, and I have peace in my heart.” That is “the peace that surpasses all understanding.”