The peace that passes understanding, have you ever heard anyone use this phrase?
Maybe you have, maybe you have even experienced it. It is almost like a blissful state of euphoria where everything in the world is just okay even though they aren't. Of course, I realize that my attempt to illustrate this concept is hopeless because by definition it is beyond understanding. When I hear this phrase I am sometimes confused. I wish I could figure out how in a world with so much conflict, so much turmoil, and so much pain, that someone could be at "peace" with themselves or the world or God or whatever it is they are at peace with. It is mind-boggling to contemplate the things that cannot be understood, especially for me. Then it occurred to me, what must happen before this can be achieved. It is really quite a simple concept so I hope that I can figure out how to grasp it and maybe you can too.
To experience the peace that passes understanding you must first accept that there are some things in this world in which you will never be able to understand no matter how hard you try.
God help me accept the limits of my mind.
**added 5/23/17 **
A little more than 6 years after first publishing this post, I have learned a great deal. Unfortunately, our world has only become more chaotic, with seemingly more conflict and turmoil. My own life has seen some significant ups and downs. Yet, I have experienced this peace more and more over time.
The thought actually originates in Scripture, it comes from Philippians 4:7 which says:
There are a number of things I could talk about here, and perhaps I will continue to add to this post on another day, but for me, the priority for growing in our trust of God is growing in our understanding and practice of Sabbath.
When people tell me they are struggling in their faith, feeling anxious, or overwhelmed, a question I often ask is: when was the last time you took an entire 24 hours of rest/not working (school or paid)?
The answers I usually get are some sort of dodging the question because the person can't answer it. They don't remember the last time they took a day off. This causes a LOT of problems for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. After all, taking a sabbath (day of rest) is not just a suggestion in the bible "It's a Divine Command!!" So how do we do it? how can we get better at trusting God?
Well, I have a great book to recommend on the topic:
Order yourself a copy, read it, and let me know what you think.
Maybe you have, maybe you have even experienced it. It is almost like a blissful state of euphoria where everything in the world is just okay even though they aren't. Of course, I realize that my attempt to illustrate this concept is hopeless because by definition it is beyond understanding. When I hear this phrase I am sometimes confused. I wish I could figure out how in a world with so much conflict, so much turmoil, and so much pain, that someone could be at "peace" with themselves or the world or God or whatever it is they are at peace with. It is mind-boggling to contemplate the things that cannot be understood, especially for me. Then it occurred to me, what must happen before this can be achieved. It is really quite a simple concept so I hope that I can figure out how to grasp it and maybe you can too.
To experience the peace that passes understanding you must first accept that there are some things in this world in which you will never be able to understand no matter how hard you try.
God help me accept the limits of my mind.
**added 5/23/17 **
A little more than 6 years after first publishing this post, I have learned a great deal. Unfortunately, our world has only become more chaotic, with seemingly more conflict and turmoil. My own life has seen some significant ups and downs. Yet, I have experienced this peace more and more over time.
The thought actually originates in Scripture, it comes from Philippians 4:7 which says:
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus - NIVAs it turns out, attaining the peace that passes understanding has less to do with accepting our own limitations and more to do with trusting in God.
There are a number of things I could talk about here, and perhaps I will continue to add to this post on another day, but for me, the priority for growing in our trust of God is growing in our understanding and practice of Sabbath.
When people tell me they are struggling in their faith, feeling anxious, or overwhelmed, a question I often ask is: when was the last time you took an entire 24 hours of rest/not working (school or paid)?
The answers I usually get are some sort of dodging the question because the person can't answer it. They don't remember the last time they took a day off. This causes a LOT of problems for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. After all, taking a sabbath (day of rest) is not just a suggestion in the bible "It's a Divine Command!!" So how do we do it? how can we get better at trusting God?
Well, I have a great book to recommend on the topic:
Order yourself a copy, read it, and let me know what you think.
As Always thanks for your time and giving this a read. If you enjoyed it share it with friends, you can do so easily with one of the buttons below. I pray that you will embrace life in the Love and Grace offered to you through Jesus Christ and that you will always remember Jeremiah 29:11. – For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, Plans to Proper You and not for harm, Plans with Hope for the Future.
