"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15
There is much talk today of world peace. World rulers meet together to discuss ways of accomplishing this. Yet none of their plans have brought a lasting peace. In the midst of schedule-packed lives individuals are searching for inner peace as a defense against the stress and strain of today's living. There may not be peace in the world today, but there can be PEACE in the HEART.
The secret of inner peace is letting God's peace rule in our hearts. "Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your heart and lives" (Colossians 3:15, LB). God has provided peace for us through the person of Jesus Christ. "He is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14).
The word "rule carries the thought of arbitrating or umpiring, the settling of differences where there is a conflict in thoughts, motives, and attitudes. When Christ controls our lives, He will settle our problems and differences, giving us inner quietness and calmness.
It doesn't mean we will be free from conflict and disturbances. They will come; but the Lord Jesus will give quietness in the midst of them. When we encounter differences of opinions, irritations, and annoyances, He will give His peace. When frustrations build up, He will give calmness of spirit. Someone has said, "Let Him be the decider of all things within your heart."
There is peace in the heart for us today through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Drop Thy still dew of quietness
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress
and let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.
(John Greenleaf Whittier)
