How can peace rule in our hearts? All around us there appears to be an angry, chaotic world bent on riots, protests, and war. We might say that Paul certainly was not speaking to us now! After all, he wrote this over 2000 years ago, to the early church of Colossae! Yet, history would tell us that they faced persecution, wars, and constant opposition as well. They faced every bit as much chaos, anger and opposition as we do; only they were fewer in number, and had less support. They did not have a Bible to comfort them. Indeed, their lives were more akin to the persecuted Christians in China and the Middle East. Still, Paul commanded them to let the peace of God rule in their hearts, called in one body, and to be Thankful.
Did you gather that? He not only commanded that we were to let the peace of God rule in our hearts; we are to be thankful as well. As one body, the church standing firm in harmony with peace ruling our hearts. Peace ruling our hearts means there is no space for anger, jealousy, rage, nor fear. Because we are in Christ and He indwells us through the Holy Spirit; we put off rage, anger, blasphemy and lies. We put on love, hope, joy, and a spirit of humble forgiveness with grace. Our hearts are transformed into new hearts; that join as one harmonious body of Christ who proclaim the name of Christ to the world by our deeds more than our words.
Colossians 3:15
let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Stop for a moment and think about that! Do you feel that calm in the depths of your heart? A calm assurance that all is well; because, your heart has found peace with God through Jesus Christ! Faith knows that God is the great I AM and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Ah, I see; you fear that maybe you don’t diligently seek Him, so perhaps; that promise is not yours. It is not about getting it right all the time; however, anyone who has tasted of the goodness of God will seek Him, desire Him and want Him. It at first may be the smallest of spark; but, it will grow. There may be moments which seem sporadic; but, ultimately, you will discover He is the only treasure that is worthwhile and the only Joy that is everlasting.
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. … not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; patience, experience; and experience, hope: hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Just wait a little while and you will see that all the struggles, trials, and difficulties you are facing right now are preparing your heart to understand the depth, height, and breadth of God’s love for you. Day by day, He is ever about transforming us, preparing us to know the fullness of joy one day when we see Him face to face. As time goes by, I have learned to find that calm, restful, peace deep within my heart. Because of that, when I faced emergency surgery; I could do so without any fear, worry, or frustration.
Certainly, that is not who I use to be, even as a Christian. It is who I have become; because of the years of trials, pains, and tribulations. During the trials, God taught my heart to trust in Him. Peace came to rule in my heart, as I learned to abide in Jesus Christ.
PEACE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST
Christ has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer. Because of that, Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and guide. He guides us through the tough times; teaching us scripture, sending counselors when we need them, and through the church. There are no mistakes with God. There are no “oops”! He uses every incident in our lives to guide us to a greater knowledge of Him; because, there is where we will reside in fullness of joy.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13
PEACE WITH GOD, KNOWING THE VICTORY IS OURS
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20
The God of our peace shall bruise Satan under our feet soon. Christ Jesus crushed Satan’s power of eternal death and destruction for all who accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Yet, note here; because of that truth; God with whom we have peace, gives us the power to bruise Satan under our feet. Our power over sin and its desires comes from God.
EVERLASTING PEACE
Remember when Jesus rebuked the wind? In Mark 4 we are told about a big storm that came and tossed the boat that the apostles and Jesus were in. Jesus slept calmly, peacefully in the boat; while, the apostles were frantic and worried they might drown. They woke Jesus up, crying for help.
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39
Because Jesus Christ lives within us, we too can know that peace which allows us to rest in the middle of the worst storms of life. He has promised us His peace. Sometimes, it takes many encounters before we learn to rest in His peace; but, let me assure you that one day you will. His promise to us is that He will give us His peace. Not the kind the world gives us.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid John 14:27
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”Because Jesus Christ gives us His peace, we can rest secure during the storms of life” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Peace with God, founded in Jesus Christ; gives us a heart of gratitude.[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis]Thanksgiving toward God, equips us to know real peace[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”When peace rules your heart; life is a beautiful place of joy, hope and love” username=”effiedarlene”]
Photo by permission: https://unsplash.com/@kfcrosby
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.