Peace of God

Dear Victorious,

The Bible talks about peace with God, and I've heard preachers talk about it too. What exactly does peace mean in God's perspective?

Cathy R. - Des Moines

Dear Cathy,

Peace from God's perspective is probably different than you imagine. Our culture today probably views peace as the absence of conflict. That is not the kind of peace the Bible is talking about. Rather the Bible promises Christ-followers a "peace that transcends understanding." What that means is peace of mind that is not dependent on circumstances. So it will be there even in the midst of conflict. This peace is a quiet confidence in God's provision, protection and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

When this peace gets laid off, for example, it is confident in the fact that God's purposes are still being served and that God will take care of them. They don't like the fact that they got laid off - but they are confident that this will just be another of life's experiences that God sees them through. God's peace is not easily rattled, and takes opposition or suffering in its stride.

At times, peace that transcends understanding will be peace that seems to make no sense. Said differently, the circumstances might suggest being distraught, frightened, angry, frustrated, hateful, or some other state of emotional control (where our emotions control us). But if someone is a true Christ-follower, God promises He will give us peace of mind during such times.