Martha Olawale

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, 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. Philippians 4:6-7

I woke up in the middle of the night with my mind running through the many questions I needed answers to. As I tossed from one side of my bed to the other, trying to find the perfect position to help me sleep, I heard the worship playing softly in my room and a smile crept up my face. Although I did not hear a loud roar to calm my discomfort, I was conscious of the presence of my Father, and I knew I was not alone.

I have had many nights like these in life and swam through seas I thought might drown me. I have walked through roads I thought had no end and battled giants I thought would crush me. But somehow, during those moments, the peace I enjoy comes from knowing that God is with me, and His presence makes the difference in my response to every situation I find myself in. The consciousness of His presence gives me the strength to just keep moving.

It’s no news peace has eluded our world, and everyone is just trying to muzzle up the beasts of fear and worry. From challenges within our homes to the ones beyond our borders, there is always something stretching our rest. The peace of God is a refuge. It guards and protects us from surrendering to the opposition. Paul knew this when He prayed for the Philippians that the peace which transcends understanding, guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Just like you, I still have so many unanswered questions and will always do, until I cross to the other side of life. I don’t need to know what tomorrow looks like when I have the author and the finisher of my faith as the guide. With God by my side, I enjoy constant peace that calms the raging sea and breaks through the darkest nights.

The peace that transcends understanding comes from walking with God and knowing that as His child, although you will have burdens laid on you in life, you can lay them all back at the feet of Christ. In Him, we have peace that money or fame can’t buy. You don’t have to fake it till you make it or live your life weighed down by all the things you can’t control because God has the answer to all questions. He knows the end before the start and His peace speaks louder than your worries.