Phil. 4:6-7 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In the past few years, this has been the passage I’ve quoted more than any other.  In our early days as a church it was the last thought I had as my head would hit the pillow as I’d have my last conversation with God before the next day.  We faced quite a bit of adversity in those early days, and it’s a passage that brought me incredible peace in spite of difficult circumstances.   It’s also a passage that’s given me peace as we continue to take faith risks in the development of our church and ministries.

Andy Stanley said in a message years ago: “If you want to know why, submit and apply.”  He was talking about understanding the truth of God’s Word.   If you really want to understand the truth of a passage or a promise, you have to submit your life to it by actually applying it.  I don’t know if I could ever adequately explain this passage; I just know it’s true.   I’ve experienced it over and over.  I’ve found that when I trust God in spite of my circumstances – when I bring everything to Him in prayer – and do this with a spirit of thanksgiving for all He has done and will do – I experience His peace.  It’s like Jesus posts a guard around my heart and mind, and He won’t let the arrows of worry, fear, or anxiety get to me.  I’m not saying I never worry – or I’m never fearful – I am; but when I practice the truth of this passage – I experience God’s peace.

I don’t know what you’re facing now, but you can have God’s peace in the midst of any situation.  “To understand why, submit and apply.”   By the way, this is a great passage to memorize, because you will most likely face some difficult times at some point in your life and having this truth in your heart will remind you how to experience God’s peace in spite of your circumstances.