It is estimated that 17 million Americans suffer from major depression. How we need the peace of God, and many times the Bible promises that God can give this peace.

Psychologists may be able to diagnose schizophrenia, paranoia, and manic-depressive disorders, but God's peace is beyond their understanding. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Notice what God's peace does: it stands guard over our hearts and minds. How? It is by faith. Ephesians 6:16 speaks of the "shield of faith" and 1 Peter 1:5 says that we are "through faith shielded by God's power."

What kind of faith? Faith in Christ Jesus! Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Our sins make us enemies of God, but by faith in Christ's sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, Jesus enters our hearts and makes peace between us and God. Then He stands guard over our hearts and gives us inner peace.

You see, we need to have peace with God in order to have the peace of God.