You can have peace today regardless of your circumstances: ‘The Lord of peace Himself [will] grant you His peace… at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes].’ (2 Thessalonians 3:16 AMPC) Think about it: God has no worries or problems because He controls everything. And as you learn to trust Him, ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.’

Jon Walker put it like this: ‘If you lived in a town constantly harassed by enemy raids, one option for the military would be to send troops to actually live beside you. They wouldn’t just provide protection during an attack, they would dissuade the enemy from launching future attacks. This is the implication in Philippians 4:7. The Holy Spirit has set up a garrison [a stronghold… a defence army… an occupying force] within us. And God’s garrison of peace will indwell your heart and mind, protecting you, and healing the wounds of worry and fear that threaten to invade your life. It’s the kind of peace that transcends human understanding because it’s God-powered and Spirit-connected. “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1–2 NIV)’

Are there areas in your life where you lack peace? Give them to God. The psalmist said, ‘He speaks peace to His faithful people.’ (Psalm 85:8 NLT)

Diane Eble observes, ‘When God speaks, peace is the message… never settle for any course that’s not characterised by peace… it’s not God.’