Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15
This Scripture has been repeatedly coming to my mind recently. I have been asking God for wisdom and direction concerning some of life’s situations. As I’m waiting for His direction, I have heard God tell me to let His peace rule in my heart. As I’ve been driving to work or running errands, I’ve heard God tell me, “Let My peace rule your heart.” When bad news has come my way, God has said, “Let My peace rule your heart.”
Day-to-day life activities clamor for our attention. Good and bad news grabs our scrutiny. Relationships require our engagement. Any of these things can cause our hearts to become unsettled, emotions to run wild, and the mind races, grasping for answers or solutions.
“Let the peace of Christ . . .” The peace that needs to rule our hearts belongs to Jesus. He has given it to us. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The peace Jesus gives us is more than a state of tranquility. God’s peace provides safety and well-being. There is satisfaction and contentment. Everything is intact, and there is complete wholeness. It guards our hearts and minds and goes beyond anything we can understand (see Philippians 4:7).
While living on the Island of Okinawa, I experienced three different Typhoons (the Pacific Ocean’s version of a hurricane). One of these storms hit the island and completely passed over it. Because of this, I experienced the eye of the storm. Right next to the eye of the storm, the typhoon is at its most violent point. But when you enter the eye of storm, there is peace, quiet and calm. One moment it is raining cats and dogs, with the wind bending every tree to the ground. The next moment it is so quiet and calm it is almost eerie.
This is the peace that Jesus gives to us. This is the peace that we need to let “. . . rule in your hearts.” The word rule means “to control or direct, exercise dominating power, authority or influence over, to govern” (dictionary.com). When God’s peace rules our hearts, it will keep our emotions from getting out of control. It will direct our thoughts toward God and His Word. It will influence our actions and govern our decisions. It will cause our hearts to be calm and quiet, no matter how hard the storm blows around us. He will keep us in perfect peace as we keep our minds on Him and completely trust Him (see Isaiah 26:3).
May the peace of Christ always rule in our hearts,
Pastor Tom