Let Peace Rule
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . and be thankful.”— Colossians 3:15
Beloved, God’s call upon your life and mine is that we would have peace in Him. We’re not going to have peace in the world, but we can have peace in Him.
But how do we experience that peace? One dimension of the answer is found in a familiar passage: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3, NKJV). The New American Standard Bible puts it this way: “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.” God promises that if we keep our minds fixed, or steadfast, on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace.
I know this is easier said than done. But I’ve found that when I don’t purposely focus on something, all kinds of thoughts intrude on my mind. To remain in peace, we must intentionally “set [our] mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). We must “[destroy] speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and… [take] every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
Beloved, I want to encourage you to believe the peace of God instead of anxiety can rule your heart. No matter how long you’ve been battling, keep fighting the fight of faith. Be mindful of what you’re thinking, and realize that if you’re anxious, the spirit making you anxious is not of God.
I believe that as I continue to build my life upon the Word of God and press forward in my relationship with the Lord, I’m going to be supernaturally strengthened by the Holy Spirit. And as I get stronger in Him, more and more peace will pervade my life. The same is true for you.
Father God, I ask You to supernaturally strengthen my mind to stay focused on You so I can abide in Your peace. Father, You said that if I would ask anything according to Your will, You would do it. I know this is according to Your will, and I thank You in advance for causing Your peace to rule in my heart.
Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Revelation (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2020), Used by permission