Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Facing challenges that generate fear, the apostle Paul says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” The believer is to be RULED by PEACE. While it sounds good, what does it mean and how does it happen?
To answer our questions, we start by asking what is to rule. The answer is PEACE. PEACE is to RULE our hearts. This was a specialty of Christ was it not? In John 14:27 He 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 heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” You recall He calmed the boisterous sea with the word PEACE! (Mark 4:39.) There was a GREAT CALM after He spoke PEACE! BE STILL!! This type of peace is to rule our hearts. Our hearts are to be ruled by the same mindset of Christ in which He is not SHAKEN by anything. Storms did not scare Jesus!
Now we consider the word RULE. Paul chooses a word that will only be used here in the NT. Pay attention. Paul has gone into the athletic world, and he sees a judge, a UMPIRE, at the athletic event. He sees one who MAKES THE CALL. He sees one who MAKES THE FINAL CALL and whose word is FINAL!! The word RULE means TO ACT AS AN UMPIRE! (Robertson’s Word Pictures).
Thus, in the face of a challenge, a storm, or a crisis, WE MAKE THE CALL like an UMPIRE to have GOD’s PEACE control us. We make the call to TRUST GOD! And be THANKFUL! Wow. Paul tells us to not only MAKE THE CALL for GOD’S PEACE, he tells us to be THANKFUL.
Being thankful in a difficult situation is difficult. Philippians 4:6 tells us to not be ANXIOUS, rather we are to handle every worry/concern (FEAR) with PRAYER! The next two words are very challenging – “with THANKSGIVING.” Being thankful is a game changer. Rather than asking God WHY, we ask HOW. We ask God HOW He might use this challenge in our lives for His glory!
Today WE are called to be UMPIRES. We are to make a call in the face of fears that GOD’s PEACE guides our hearts. We are to make the call to TRUST GOD. Recall Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” We are to make the call to BE THANKFUL.
Is it easy to do? NO! Will it mean we are living differently? YES! And it will be impactful as others will see us calm and cool, full of peace, TRUSTING GOD, being grateful, and being helpful. Instead of rocking the already rocking boat in the storm, we will be rowing based on the commands of Master! Making the right call will cause us to be living differently during a difficult time! BE RULED BY PEACE!
Continue Strong letting His peace rule,
And remember to DATE the Word