God can bring a variety of good things, including peace, from the afflictions that we experience. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).Ī peaceful mind and heart are experienced as a result of recognizing that an all-wise and loving Father has a purpose in our trials. Peace is experienced as a result of prayer. But we can’t trust someone we don’t know, and it is crucial, therefore, to come to know intimately the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Peace is experienced as we believe what the Bible says about God’s nearness as in Psalm 139:1-12, and about His goodness and power, His mercy and love for His children, and His complete sovereignty over all of life’s circumstances. Our tranquility of mind is “perfect” or imperfect to the degree that the “mind is stayed on” God rather than ourselves or on our problems. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that God will keep us in “perfect peace” if our minds are “stayed” on Him, meaning our minds lean on Him, center on Him, and trust in Him. It is only when “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1) that we can experience the true peace of mind that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, in other words, His fruit exhibited in us (Galatians 5:22). This state of friendship with God is a prerequisite for the second kind of peace, that which sometimes refers to a tranquil mind. In addition, as High Priest the Lord Jesus maintains that state of friendship on behalf of all who continue to “come to God by him, seeing he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). This peace between a holy God and sinful mankind has been effected by Christ’s sacrificial death, “having made peace through the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20). Peace sometimes refers to a state of friendship between God and man.
The Bible uses the word peace in several different ways. The literal translation of this phrase is “rest of my spirit.” The only time “peace of mind” is found in the Bible is the NIV translation of 2 Corinthians 2:13 where Paul says he found no “peace of mind” because he didn’t find Titus in Troas. An imperturbable, placid person is said to have peace of mind.
The expression “peace of mind” conjures up images of Buddha-like composure wherein calm, comfort, and composure are so prevalent that nothing can disturb the one who has peace of mind. Most people would define peace of mind as the absence of mental stress and anxiety.
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