Peace Surpassing Understanding
by: Matt Mullinax
September 24, 2025
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”
Paul writes these words while imprisoned, yet his tone is overflowing with joy and encouragement. That’s the striking power of this passage. Joy is not tied to our surroundings, possessions, or ease of life. It’s rooted in the unshakable truth that the Lord is near. No matter what storm we face, His presence is constant.
“Rejoice in the Lord always” is not a suggestion—it’s a command. Joy isn’t pretending everything is fine; it’s choosing to focus on Christ, who never changes, even when circumstances do. When we rejoice in Him, we testify to the world that our hope isn’t anchored in what’s temporary but in what is eternal.
Paul then tells us how to deal with life’s anxieties- take them to God in prayer. He doesn’t say “ignore them” or “just push through.” Instead, he invites us into a daily exchange. We hand God our worries, and He gives us His peace. This is not a fragile or fleeting peace but one that surpasses human understanding. It steadies our hearts like an anchor in a raging sea.
Notice also that gratitude is woven into prayer—“with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what is missing to what God has already provided. It changes how we see our situations and reminds us of God’s faithfulness in the past, which gives us confidence for the present and the future.
Paul closes with a practical challenge. Watch what you feed your mind. The battle for peace is often won or lost in our thought life. When our minds are filled with fear, comparison, or negativity, anxiety grows. But when we dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy—we invite God’s perspective into our daily lives. This kind of intentional thinking leads to intentional living. As Paul says, put it into practice. Don’t just admire these truths—live them out. And the promise is clear. Not only will we have peace, but the God of peace Himself will walk with us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being near to me in every season of life. Help me to rejoice in You, not just when life feels good, but in every circumstance, because You are my source of joy. Teach me to bring my anxieties to You in prayer and to clothe those prayers in thanksgiving, trusting that Your peace will guard my heart and mind.
Renew my thoughts, Lord. Help me to fix my mind on what is true, pure, and excellent. Let my gentleness be evident to all so that my life points others toward You. May I not only know these truths but live them out daily. Surround me with Your presence and let the peace of Christ fill every corner of my life.
In the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, Amen.
Reflection Questions
Am I choosing to rejoice in the Lord daily, even when circumstances make it difficult?
When worries rise up, do I truly surrender them in prayer, or do I carry them myself?
What is shaping my thought life—God’s Word, or the noise of the world?
How can I put into practice what I know to be true, so that others see Christ’s peace in me?
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Paul writes these words while imprisoned, yet his tone is overflowing with joy and encouragement. That’s the striking power of this passage. Joy is not tied to our surroundings, possessions, or ease of life. It’s rooted in the unshakable truth that the Lord is near. No matter what storm we face, His presence is constant.