Read the Apostle Paul's exhortation to the church in Philippians 4:4-9
concerning God's peace.
Vs. 7 tells us, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Vs. 9 says,
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put
it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Paul knew these truths through the things he had experienced (and continued
to experience). He tells the Philippians in Vs. 11-12
".For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what
it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
He learned that, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Vs. 13

There are many examples of Paul trials and testings in Scripture. One we all
know so well is in 2 Corinthians 12 where he tells of the 'thorn in the
flesh' and his dealings with God in the matter. There he learned,
(God speaking), ".My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in
weakness." Vs 9
And Paul's response, "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with
insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ's
sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." Vs 10

In Acts 16 there is a wonderful example of the peace and contentment that
was Paul's and Silas' in Christ. Here they were in the inner prison in
Philippi with their feet in stocks (after they had been beaten with rods)
then Vs. 25, "But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing
hymns of praise to God. And the prisoners were listening to them."

There was that different life that was expressed by the peace that was
theirs. There was the light in the darkness. (Are we lights in this darken
world?)  Read Acts 16:11-40 to see the glories that God brought about in
what was meant to harm.

Looking again at Philippians 4:12, "I know what it is to be in need, and I
know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content
in any and every situation."
Have we learned this? So often it is when we are in need that we turn to the
Lord in 'prayer and supplication', but when we have plenty there is that
temptation to be drawn away and involved with worldly things. Therefore, we
must not be dependent on either need or plenty, but content in all things as
Paul learned to be.

Through trusting Christ Jesus in all the trials and testings we come to
know,
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Vs. 13
Also, we come to know that,
".My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ
Jesus." Vs. 19

So let us heed Paul when he says,
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were
called in one body and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

With all honor and glory we give thanks to our gracious and loving Mighty
God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen