Peace that Guards Our Heart

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV).

 

The Wisdom of Solomon tells us to guard our hearts: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV). I have two cardiologists who help me manage my cardiovascular disease. There are all kinds of medications I take along with staying physically active and keeping my weight under control to “guard” my physical heart. However, those practices do not take care of my spiritual heart. The Apostle Paul tells us in our reading today that it is the peace of God that guards our spiritual heart.  

 

Philippians is sometimes called one of Paul’s “prison letters.” That’s because Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, probably in Rome (cf. Philippians 1:12-14). While the details of Paul’s imprisonment are scant, it probably was similar to what we would call “house arrest” today (cf. Acts 28:16-31). Despite being bound with chains, Paul was able to share the gospel during his two-year imprisonment in Rome.

 

Even though Paul enjoyed some freedom while living under house arrest, he was carefully guarded by a Roman soldier. Paul was probably chained to whoever was responsible for guarding him. That’s helpful to know, because when Paul writes about the peace of God that “guards” our hearts, he uses a word that was common in military jargon. Paul may have been chained to a soldier, but he was also connected to a much higher authority. Paul belonged to God and was protected by the peace of God.

 

God gives his people that same peace to today. That’s why so many believers feel protected and at ease in situations that would otherwise make them feel worried and discouraged. If you are feeling anxious and afraid today seek the peace of Jesus (cf. John 14:27). He cares for you and wants you to have peace. He wants your heart ot be guarded carefully!