RE Verse reading–Amos 4:1-5, 5:1-24 (day four) “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan” (4:1) Many of us know the New Testament prayer promise, ” and the peace of God which passes understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7) Great promise, but is there a peace that passes even God’s understanding? Is there a time when feeling peaceful is inappropriate ? Perhaps this is what Amos mean’t when he called the women of Samaria (some of them, at least) cows. Cows are self-centered animals. So long as they have plenty to eat and drink they are not concerned. This kind of so-long-as-I-am-ok peace is not God’s plan for us. If people are not being treated fairly, He wants us concerned and involved. The good Samaritan was upset enough to stop and offer help. “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1) If it means complacency or selfishness, there is a kind of “peace” that even God doesn’t understand.
Is there a time when feeling peaceful is inappropriate?… although I can see (and agree with) your ultimate point, the thought process brings up some interesting points.
Phil 4 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It is more than just a “prayer promise” but a really great way to live life. However, if we look at our lives and then from there interpret scripture… instead of looking at the Pure Word of God and from there interpreting our lives we are not going to benefit from this Word. Heb 4 says, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.” When you hear the Word and do not unite it with faith, it is unprofitable for you. If you really believe the Word, you will live it… and if you are not living it, you do not REALLY believe it.
So…. for me….I would have to say that although we are really talking about two totally different things, I believe that “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Rom 14) and so I believe that the way to live my life is to be anxious for nothing and to take everything to Him in prayer (is my worrying ever going to do anything?) and then to listen to what He instructs me to do… and then DO IT. Getting out of Peace, for me, means getting out from under His care/authority/fellowship and to that I say… no thanks.