When we talk about peace and well being usually it is based on a set of conditions; My bank account is healthy, My family is doing well, my career is on track, my children are secure and progressing according to my expectations, people love me, I drive a nice car and I live in a nice home. .. If these set of conditions, as an example, exist.. then peace, well being is at hand.... This would be a fairly accurate definition of peace and overall well being... The Hebrew word for this kind of peace would be Shalom...
Shalom defined = completeness, wholeness- safety, welfare, health, prosperity- quiet, tranquility, contentment, peace, friendship.
There is another kind of peace, not based on a set of outward conditions, not based upon or dictated by whatever is happening at the moment....I might call this a supernatural peace ..meaning this peace overrides whatever is happening in the natural realm.. It's source is from heaven and is not bound by earthly conditions ..
John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
The peace of Jesus is a state of well being imputed to Christians and this peace or Shalom allows us to live victoriously no matter our outward conditions.. This is what Paul was saying when He said I can do all things through Christ who straightens me.. , .. Generally this scripture shown in Philippians is used when we talk about an impending task .. and we say "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me".. However, the proper use of the text is more in line with.. , I can endure all things through Christ... , Or I have peace and it is well with my soul not matter the circumstances.. ,
Phil 4:11
Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
Here Paul is saying I have no lack of peace no matter my condition..
Phil 4:12
I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.
The secret my friends is found in Jesus.. Paul had the heavenly peace.. a heavenly well being .. a heavenly Shalom..
Let us bring every concern, every care, every heart ache to Jesus, and He in turn will give you His peace, His well being and His state of restfulness..
Matt 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Matt 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls
Phil 4:7
And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
