Over the course of my life, I have been on numerous field trips, vacations, and museum tours.  As a result, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to see security guards in action.

I’m guessing you probably have, as well.

Typically uniformed so as to stand out, these individuals protect everything from valuable historical treasures to forbidden hallways to national secrets privy only to a few.

In each instance, the guard was there to keep any harm or damage from befalling what they were assigned and positioned to protect.

And, even though we may not wear a uniform, we all have things we personally guard, as well, don’t we?  Online information?  Financial accounts?  Our marriages and families?  That stash of chocolate? 

One of the things I love about God is how He uses pictures from our daily lives to help us understand what He’s saying in His Word.

In Philippians, He uses this image of a guard to describe how His peace will protect our hearts and minds.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, though prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6&7 HCSB)

Right now, when it looks like so many have lost their minds, who wouldn’t want that?  Peace. Protecting, guarding, and watching over our hearts and minds.

In a world where only He knows the future (and has it perfectly mapped out, I might add), He is the only one qualified to make such bold boasts.

His invitation for us to live fear-free, worry-free, anxiety-free is right there, spelled out in black and white.  Bring all your issues to Him in prayer and, in exchange, He promises that His peace will guard your heart and mind.

In other words, His peace has been assigned and positioned to keep our hearts and minds from harm or damage. 

Will the enemy of our souls still try to unravel that peace and target our hearts and our minds with all sorts of devious lies?  Of course! 

It’s up to us to grab those lies by the scruff of their necks and bring them to God. 

He’s big enough to handle our worries about the future, our anxieties over our health, our fears concerning our families, and any other burdens we’re tempted to carry.

And, as we leave them at His feet, He places His guard of peace over our hearts and minds.

“You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 HCSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!