DAY 4: Letting the Peace of Christ Rule Your Heart
Week 1: Seeking God: The Creator of Relationship
DAY 4: Letting the Peace of Christ Rule Your Heart
One of the most amazing benefits we have being the children of God is to have access to His peace no matter what we are facing. Whether we are in the beginning stages of discerning who we will marry or we are in the throws of parenting, whether we are in the most enjoyable relationships or we are facing difficult challenges within our relationships, the promise remains the same: He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him. (Is. 26:3) There is only one stipulation when it comes to receiving His peace: you are turning to Him and His word and you believe and trust Him! Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts…” My NIV Life Application notes clarified for me that this “rule” is not that of a king, but that of an umpire. God helped me see that peace could help “call the shots” just like the referee did in my basketball games in junior high. He showed me that when the ball goes out of court, it was the same as me losing my peace. To continue a basketball game when the ball went out by dribbling in the stands and trampling over the spectators was the equivalent of continuing to live life without peace. People could get hurt! How many times have you continued to have conversations with your spouse, coworkers, children, or friends when you were not in His peace? The conversations go quite poorly and hurt the ones you love. When you notice you don’t have His peace, STOP! (Seek Him first! Mt. 6:33 Take every thought captive that doesn’t line up with His Word. 2 Cor. 10:5 Obey what He says about your situation. Acts 5:29 Pursue peace! 1 Pet. 3:11) Once His perspective and power bring peace, “get back in the game” and apply the strategies He gives you toward the victorious relationships He has planned for you.
What do you think your relationships would look like if when trouble stirs and an argument is about to ensue, you applied this strategy before you proceeded? Decide to let the lack of peace be your guide initially to give you a clue as to where flesh or the enemy are having more of a say. Choose not to judge yourself or take on shame or guilt as our God has already paid the price for that. Only choose to notice that the lack of peace exists and quickly get before the Lord to renounce it and choose not serve it. STOP and lay down those things that are bringing the lack of peace and pick up the promises and truth in the Word that speak to your situation. Remember that He works ALL things for the good of those that love Him. (Rom 8:28) Remember His will is ALWAYS to bring healing, strength, restoration, peace, and love. Determine to wait in peace for His desired outcome.
Declare, “I am a person of peace. He calms the storm inside of me because I believe He is who He says He is, I am who He says I am, and He always works all circumstances for my good because I love Him and am called according to His good purpose. Peace is a priority in all my relationships. I rely on the Prince of Peace to impart peace to everyone I’m with.”
Author of this post: Melanie Connell
