Peace and Contentment

Jim Gossweiler   -  

One of my favorite things to do is to compare Bible verses to “bring out” the meaning of each. When I find verses that complement each other, I also use them to develop a short prayer. The Bible is filled with powerful and meaningful verses that can guide us in our daily lives. Two such verses are Philippians 4:7 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. Both of these verses offer wisdom and insight into the nature of the human mind and how we can find peace and contentment in our lives.

First, let’s examine Philippians 4:7, which states, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”. This verse reminds us that true peace and contentment can only be found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It also reminds us that this peace is not something that can be fully understood or explained by human reasoning, but it is a gift from God that guards our hearts and minds.

This idea of finding peace in God is also highlighted in other verses such as John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” and Isaiah 26:3 which says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Another important verse is 2 Corinthians 3:18, which says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”. This verse reminds us that as we spend time with God, we are gradually transformed into His image, becoming more like Him in our thoughts, words and actions. This process of transformation is not something that happens overnight, but it is a gradual process that occurs as we spend more and more time with God.

This idea of being transformed by the Spirit of God is also highlighted in other verses such as Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” and Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

I’ve discovered that Philippians 4:7 and 2 Corinthians 3:18 offer powerful and meaningful insights into the nature of the human mind and how we can find peace and contentment in our lives. Both verses remind us that true peace and contentment can only be found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  As we spend time with God, we are gradually transformed into His image becoming more like Him in our thoughts, words and actions.

Other verses in the Bible also provide similar guidance to us on how to find peace and contentment in our daily lives. Reading and meditating on these verses can help us to find solace in our lives, as well as to become more like Christ.

What two Bible verses can you think of that compliment each other, play off each other, and might make a good prayer?

JG