Peace That Passes Understanding

Peace That Passes Understanding

I once had a chance to have dinner with author, speaker, and former US Army ranger Major Jeff Struecker when he spoke at a fund-raising event for our church’s clinic, Casa El Buen Samaritano, which serves the most impoverished of the southwest part of our city with world-class healthcare. There are few people I respect more than Jeff Struecker.

You see, Major Struecker fought in the Battle of Mogadishu, and the book and movie Black Hawk Down are based off his and three others’ firsthand testimonies. He has an amazing story, as you may already know if you have read the book or seen the movie.^a

One of the things Jeff said during our conversation that really stuck with me was, “Although men were dying all around me, and though I was in the fight of my life—gun fights that were happening ten feet from me, I felt a remarkable peace because of God’s presence with me.” He said, “The Scripture calls it the peace that passes all understanding.”

That’s quite a thought—to be in a life-or-death situation and yet feel peace because you know the presence of Almighty God is with you.

Psalm 23:4 says, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Is there a valley you are walking through that is covered in shadows and causing you to fear? I want to encourage you to look up, trust in the presence and the power of the God who created you and loves you, and enjoy his peace that passes understanding.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4