Peace That Passes Understanding

I imagine if you grew up around churches, or Christian summer camps, you probably are all too familiar with the song “I’ve Got the Joy.” I can still hear it echoing through the church gymnasium sung by voices too innocent to realize they are off key. In my personal experience, way off key.

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy…”

A couple verses in we’d sing,

“I’ve got the peace that passes understanding…”

I had never given much thought to that term, the peace that passes understanding, until recently.

Until recently when I discovered a peace that didn’t make any sense. Until recently when I discovered a peace that was unfathomable in light of my current circumstances.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (King James Version)

Until recently when I discovered a peace that had to be from something, Someone more powerful than me, or my worries de jour.

A peace. A peace that is of God. A peace that is keeping my heart in tact and my mind sane. A peace that is washing over me, eliminating fears and anxieties, and replacing them with a fresh cleansing hope.

A peace that passes my very-limited-and-oh-so-human understanding.

My peace I give in times of deepest grief, Imparting calm and trust and My relief.

My peace I give when prayer seems lost, unheard; Know that My promises are ever in My Word.

My peace I give when thou art left alone, The nightingale at night has sweetest tone.

My peace I give in time of utter loss, The way of glory leads right to the cross.

My peace I give when enemies will blame, Thy fellowship is sweet through cruel shame.

My peace I give in agony and sweat, For mine own brow with bloody drops was wet.

My peace I give when nearest friend betrays, Peace that is merged in love, and for them prays.

My peace I give when there’s but death for thee, The gateway is the cross to get to Me. – L. S. P. (Streams in the Desert)

When was the last time you felt a peace that you didn’t quite understand?

And did you know that according to Wikipedia there is a verse that goes “I’ve got the far out faith that freaks out farmers…”?

Because I had no idea.