God's Garrison of Peace
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petitions, 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."
My kids love visiting old forts. On a recent trip to Fort McClary in Kittery Point, ME, the boys infiltrated the casement and fired nerf guns through the loopholes (the narrow slits for firing weapons). Rich and I were the targets. After they fired all of their darts, the little one yelled out of the chamber, ‘Hey mom, can you collect my darts and give them back so I can shoot you again?’ And like a good soldier, I did what he commanded.
In Philippians, chapter 4, the apostle Paul talks about peace. It always seemed strange to me that in a passage about peace, Paul uses a military image. He tells us that ‘the peace of God will guard our hearts.’ A better word for ‘guard’ is ‘garrison.’ God’s peace garrisons us.
Garrisons were set up near vulnerable locations. Troops were sent to protect areas that were in danger of enemy attack. They also served to discourage enemies from launching an attack.
When we pray with thanksgiving, God gives us His peace. It’s a peace that can’t be obtained by human effort. It’s a peace that comes from God and it’s meant for God’s people. It’s a benefit for those who are Christians. For those who have peace with God through Jesus Christ…they will experience the peace of God when they pray with thanksgiving.
God’s peace will guard your heart, which means your whole being and your mind. When your mind thinks and turns and rehashes and reviews the things that worry you and make you upset, God’s peace stands guard at the door of your mind and does battle for you.
When arrows of anxiety are flung your way, remember that God’s peace does battle for you. When anxious thoughts try to penetrate your heart and mind, pray to God. His peace will garrison your vulnerable heart and mind. May you experience the peace of God today