1.
We who were “guilty before God” have now “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and this peace is based upon an immovable foundation―even on God Himself. We have believed His word and hence God has justified us, and, “therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” We no longer dread “The Judge of All,” for He is our Justifier. Thus do we enter into our strong tower and are secure; our sins, our transgressions, the accuser, we no longer fear, for “if God be for us who can be against us?” ―such is our absolute safety.
2.
There is a most blessed Exchange, a Royal Exchange indeed, for the Christian. Give God your cares, your troubles, your burdens, hand over to Him “everything,” and by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and then the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In the affairs of life we go many times to buy what we want, and we must needs go very frequently to God for this blessed exchange. But the miracle is wrought in our hearts and minds as we go and leave our cares with Him, for His own peace thereupon holds our hearts and minds as a garrison through Christ Jesus.
3.
To the Christian who would know experimentally the best, the happiest, and the holiest companionship, it may be thus obtained : Fill the heart thoughts with whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely, with whatsoever things are of good report, and if there be any virtue, and praise, think on these things. Also be careful to practice the excellences of the Christian life as they may be heard and seen in the life of such a one as the holy apostle Paul, and the result will be that the God of peace shall be with you.
Our Father holds our hand, as it were, when, as obedient children, we walk in a way which pleases Him. We love to walk in the flower-filled fields in spring with the owner of the dear little hands which are clasped full of beautiful things God has made. We will learn a lesson from the child, and store our hearts with the lovely things our Father loves.
4.
In peace, peace, or perfect peace! Thus will God keep us when mind and thought are stayed on Him. And why? Because we trust in Him. For He loves to be confided in, and to reward our trust by keeping us in perfect peace.