Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious for anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we can present our requests to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard our heart and mind... But what does “peace that passes all understanding”, really mean?

Most of the time we think we need to have things in order in our lives in order to feel and experience peace. However, having a peace that passes understanding means we can have peace despite our circumstances.This many seem almost impossible, but if the Bible tells us it’s possible, then it can be done, and it always gives us a road map to get to our desired outcome!

If you’ve ever been through a difficult season, you know that there are times when peace still seems far away. However, no matter how difficult our situation may be, it is possible to experience a radical peace, or God wouldn't of said it!

When you look closely at this verse, you see that the peace of God is really an exchange. When we lay our cares at the feet of Jesus through prayer, and praise until we see the victory, our hearts will find rest. This may seem overly-simple, but the longer you walk with God and learn to trust Him, the more you experience His supernatural peace.

As we study scripture and get to know God’s character, our hearts are established in trusting a God that is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As we walk with the Lord in a relationship, we will begin to see His faithfulness to us personally, which assures our hearts that He will lead us to safety.

Recently when I experienced a miscarriage, I came to understand this peace that passes all understanding in a whole new way. Although I was going through one of the darkest storms of my life, I felt the deepest peace, (and even joy), knowing that my God is faithful no matter what may come!

I drew on so many experiences where God had proven Himself as a redeemer in my life, and I knew He would do it again. I also meditated on His promises that brought me great peace, knowing that He was carrying me. Despite the fact that my emotions, thoughts, and grief tried to overwhelm me, I was kept in perfect peace because my mind was stayed on the Lord, and I trusted in Him. (Isaiah 26:3).

After coming out on the other side of that storm, I can now say that I know what it means to experience a peace that doesn’t quite “make sense” during such a tragic season. It only comes from experiencing a relationship with our Heavenly Father, and knowing His word.

If you are going through a storm, or maybe you struggle with anxiety or depression and you want to experience this deep peace I’m talking about… The answer is found in knowing God personally! I'm not talking about knowing "about" God, or hearing about Him from someone else, but rather, knowing Him and reading His word for yourself!

The reason this personal relationship is so important is because it let's you know that you can trust Him through experience! Just as it is in marriage, the more you know your husband, and he has proven himself faithful, the more you know you can trust him! If on the other hand someone told you about your husband, but you never knew him personally, how would you know you could really trust him?

So how do you get to know God on a personal level?

Getting to know God comes as a result of spending time in His word, because it teaches you who He is. He will also speak to you personally through the scriptures, because the word of God is alive, (which means it will come alive to you personally as you read it!). You can also get to know God deeper as you pray and ask Him to lead you. Pray and expect to hear His still small voice in your heart as you listen for His guidance all throughout the day. He wants to lead you and speak to you more than you even know, but it requires our open hearts to receive!

The more you walk with God hand in hand, the more you will perceive His nearness, hear His voice, and understand His ways; And just as it is with any relationship, the more time you spend pursuing someone, the more you will get to know their heart! As you seek and find more of God through His word, prayer, and fellowship, a peace that passes all understanding will guide you through the highs and lows in life.

God asks us to bring every situation to Him. As we do, we will begin to walk in this wonderful peace that He promises. There is an unshakable peace and confidence that comes from knowing the God of the universe is holding you by the hand!