The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5-7
It’s not only knowing something that helps us, it is the doing of what we know that puts us over. Paul concluded his thoughts in these verses with ‘those things you have learned and received, heard and seen in me - do and the God of peace will be with you’.
James wrote in his epistle being a hearer of the word only and not a doer leads one into deception.
We aren't students of the word to hold only knowledge but to hold knowledge that instructs us in being and doing right. The book of Joshua chapter one verse eight highlights the study for the purpose of being careful to do what has been written. Jesus affirmed this with his words, if you love me you will keep my commandments.
The word of God has addressed all things that hold us in a right place and position IF ONLY we would take it to heart and simply do what He has already said would give us life. So, first we establish our hearts with the reminder that no matter what we are facing - the Lord is at hand. We might live in this world but our affections and hearts are held looking for a homeland whose builder and maker is God. With an established heart we can lean into our union with the Holy Spirit who is the author of a sound and well ordered mind. He will direct our thoughts into the word of life that when embraced will yield His peace that passes understanding.
Paul’s admonition is aligned with the same word Jesus preached; ‘don’t be anxious for anything’. The God solution for anxiety is to engage in a conversation with God, i.e. prayer. Not just prayer but prayer that holds thanksgiving because we know as we come to Him in this diligent search, He is a rewarder. Whatever we are in the midst of - He will supply what He sees as needed.
We know this throne of grace begins with the one who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He knows our issues and holds the answers. He gives peace that passes understanding. This is a two edged sword. Peace passes what I do understand and Peace that passes what I do NOT understand.
HELPS WORD STUDIES ~ 5242 hyperéxō(from 5228/hypér, "beyond, above" and 2192/éxō, "have") – properly, "have beyond, i.e. be superior, excel, surpass" (A-S, exercising prominence, superiority).
The following is from Cambridges’ Commentary and worth the read ~
“Here is the true “Quietism” of the Scriptures.
all understanding] “All mind,” “all thinking power.” Our truest reason recognizes that this peace exists, because God exists; our articulate reasoning cannot overtake its experiences; they are always above, below, beyond. Cp. Ephesians 3:19
shall keep] Observe the definite promise; not merely an aspiration, or even an invocation. Cp. Isaiah 26:3
R.V., shall guard. All the older English versions have “keep”, except the Genevan, which has “defend.” “Guard” (or “defend”) represents correctly the Greek verb, which is connected with nouns meaning “garrison,” “fort,”
minds] Lit. and better, thoughts, acts of mind. The holy serenity of the believer’s spirit, in Christ Jesus, shall be the immediate means of shielding even the details of mental action from the tempter’s power.
When mens hearts are failing them, we can be those who are confident and secure, resting in His Peace.
We can do this church, all to the glory of God!