This morning I reread a favorite verse, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) and saw something I had never noticed before. I’ve always seen this verse as applying to physical or material needs. What I need now is peace, joy and love — that which “transcends all understanding”. I don’t seem to have a lot of that within me in this season, but He is able to supply that according to HIS riches in glory that are completely separate from me. I know this because He said, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27)
Sometimes life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, with “downhill” drops and hairpin curves we never see coming. When unexpected difficulties occur, the Bible reminds us that our best recourse is to place our trust in God. It was in a tumultuous time when invasion threatened his country that the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Spirit, discerned this powerful promise from the Lord: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Isa. 26:3) Jeremiah reminds us that we are blessed when we choose to trust God: “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” (Jer. 17:7)
The peace our Savior gives us as we turn to Him “transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). James Banks tells us the following: “I will never forget the words of a woman who was struggling with breast cancer. After a group from our church prayed for her one evening, she said, ‘I don’t know what will happen, but I know that I’ll be okay, because the Lord was here with us tonight.’” This woman was able to claim a promise from Jesus: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt. 18:20)
Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all. “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Jesus promised to give us peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Lord, help me to trust in You so that I may live in peace.
Sources:
- NIV Life Application Study Guide and Bible Gateway
Seeking Passionate Prayer in Spiritual Warfare 
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