Painful Peace

Painful Peace. Is it an oxymoron? I don’t think so.

Philippians 4:7 mentions a peace from God that passes, or transcends, all understanding. That is, it’s a peace that doesn’t make sense.

We often look at peace and pain as polar opposites—two things that cannot exist together, like light and dark. But, is that right? Is it possible to have peace WITH pain? Could this verse describe a peace that does not necessarily void the pain of a particular circumstance, but rather, a peace that can be found in the midst of the pain, and perhaps even along with the pain?

Jesus seems to have experienced this painful peace as He walked the Via Dolorosa, His “path of pain,” that led Him to the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see a stressed and perplexed Jesus as He asks the Father to take the cup from Him. Yet, when His path of pain begins, and throughout the rest of the journey leading Him to the cross, we see a calm and peaceful Jesus. In the midst of His pain, He somehow found peace.

We all have our own “path of pain” to travel. Often, we hope the peace that God offers will nullify the pain, but so often it does not. Rather, God sends peace in the midst of the pain and the suffering. The hurt still exists, but in some strange and “transcendent” way, peace can be found in the midst of the pain.

Now that’s a peace that surpasses all understanding, and makes no sense whatsoever─a painful peace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

-Philippians 4:4-7