We are experiencing unsettling times in our nation and in the world as a whole.  A repeat of the message of January 18, 2009, is apropos for today.

Let us lay hold of Philippians 4:6-7 and come to rest in Christ Jesus.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer  and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We see in Psalm 55:22,
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you;
He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
And,
1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us,
“Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God…casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

It is Jesus who said,
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:28-29

This is a spiritual rest and it is appropriated by faith:
“For we who have believed enter that rest…”  Hebrews 4:3
(Read verses 1-13 for the word to those who enter and to those who do not.)

In this rest we find that this peace transcends all understanding!
We see this promise of peace is--
The gift of God:
“May the LORD give strength to His people!
May the LORD bless His people with peace!”  Psalm 29:11

It is abundant:
“Great peace have those who love Your law;
Nothing can make them stumble,”  Psalm 119:165

It is perfect:
“You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you.”  Isaiah 26:3

It is the legacy of Christ:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  John 14:27
And,
“These things I have spoken to you, that IN ME you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33  (My emphasis)

The ‘these things’ Jesus refers to here are the things He has been sharing with His disciples in His farewell discourse in Chapters 13,14,15,16

As our opening Scripture tells us, this peace of Christ passes all understanding.  So laying hold of these things, let us take heart joyously and
“…run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Remembering always,
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

Thank You Lord for providing for all our needs and giving us perfect peace and rest in You!  Amen