“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

Let's look at the second characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit: peace. Peace is usually defined simply as the absence of war or other hostilities. The problem with this definition is that it suggests that unless you have external peace, you cannot have peace, while in reality, there are many instances when war and hostility are not present on the outside but internally there is no peace. I have the privilege of coaching a number of families in business. Experience has taught me that just because there is little or no evidence of conflict or hostility does not automatically mean there is peace. Often the relationships that seem to have the least conflicts are the ones with the most dysfunction. This is also the case with businesses.

Business environments where there are no conflicts and confrontations usually are dysfunctional. The healthy ones have learned to disagree without being disagreeable, to have conflict without being personal and to confront without being offensive. Also, businesses that do not face external pressure or problems often are not growing because they are operating within their level of comfort. Growing businesses understand how to face trouble and maintain their peace in the midst of the external and internal challenges that come with growth.

Peace is not the absence of trouble or conflict, but an inner tranquility and poise guided by a complete trust in the sovereignty of God. This is why Jesus stated in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The peace that Jesus is talking about is not a peace that is conditional on environmental circumstances or what others do, but peace that is solely based on a relationship with Him and a complete trust in His promises. What is this peace and how do you obtain it in your relationships and business?

In Philippians 4 the Apostle Paul, writing from prison, gives us the formula to obtaining this peace. He calls it “the peace of God that passes all understanding”, which is a peace that exists no matter what is going on around you; a peace that your natural mind cannot comprehend. This peace exists in the midst of cash flow shortage, marketplace challenges, or even personal and family challenges. It is a peace that does not make sense.

How do you acquire this peace?

Rejoice in the Lord – When faced with trouble, get excited; it is an opportunity for growth or advancement.

Don’t worry – Worrying will not fix the problem nor will it add any value to the situation, but will set you back instead. So refrain from being overly concerned about the situation.

Pray – Speak to God about your concerns and listen to what He has to say.

Give thanks – Share with God how grateful you are about how He has always come through for you. Show gratitude for who God is in your life.

Share your concerns with God – Share your specific concern with God and be as specific as you can about your request.

He promises that, “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

The great thing about this type of peace is that it has wonderful benefits. Trouble and conflict come to bring mental and emotional instability, so this peace serves as a spiritual shield to protect our hearts and minds against mental breakdown, heart attacks, or depression. This peace, as stated in a popular gospel song, is a peace that the world did not give us and the world cannot take it away.

My prayer for you today is that God would grant you peace that will protect your heart and mind in your current and future circumstances.

Reflection: How are you protecting your heart and mind against everyday challenges?

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