The Peace of God is The Higher Thing

Philippians 4:6-7, ESV

do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Greek word which has been translated surpasses in this passage means this: of higher value than or rises above. 

The peace of God is of higher value than understanding.

In this passage, Paul is saying, “don’t be anxious, but instead pray. And thank God. And God's peace will guard your heart and mind, like a military guard protects his assignment.” He’s insinuating that you still may not have understanding about the situation you’re bringing to God, but that His peace is of higher value than the understanding. 

It’s not understanding we should be seeking, but peace.

So often we think we want to understand, as if having understanding would somehow bring us peace. But that’s not the way it works. 

Peace doesn’t come as the result of our understanding, peace comes as the result of our trusting. 

We think we want understanding in order to feel peace, but that’s not actually what we need. We don’t need more understanding, we need more trust.

Isaiah 26:3, ESV

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Proverbs 3:5, ESV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Understanding doesn't beget peace, trust does. We don’t lean on (support ourselves) on our understanding, we lean on trust—and then we receive peace.

Understanding is a wobbly support system. Peace is better. The peace of God is the higher thing.