Colossians 3:12- 15 NKJV
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
One of the famous statements that Jesus told his disciples is found in John 14:27. He said, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The peace that Jesus gives does not mean that turmoil and trouble will not be part of out lives. His peace is an inside job such that no matter how bad things may seem on the outside, there is peace on the inside.
Paul tells us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. Jesus said he is giving us his peace and we should not let our hearts be troubled or be afraid. The lack of Gods peace means that our hearts will be troubled and our hearts will be full of fear.
One of the things that should be a hallmark in the life of a believer is peace in their hearts. Peace that is different from how the world defines peace. That no matter how things are on the outside, we have peace on the inside that governs how we respond to the situations on the outside. I believe it is TD Jakes who said “That as long as what’s happening with the storm on the outside does not get inside the boat, it will always remain afloat!”
As long as we who believe do not allow the darkness and the storms that are happening in the world to get into our hearts, we will remain afloat.
The bible tells us to guard our hearts with all diligence because from it flows the issues of life, and when we come to Christ one of the first things he does is to secure our hearts with peace.
This peace is that assurance of whom we have believed in that he is well able to accomplish that which he has promised. It is the assurance that God has a good plan for your life no matter how things may look like on the outside. It is the assurance that no matter how difficult things may get, all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purposes. This peace allows us to rest in Christ because we have the assurance that our end is better than our beginning!
Remember;
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Reflections
Why is peace important in the life of a believer?
What are some of things that tend to steal peace from you and destabilize your life and how do you deal with them?
Jesus is also called the “Prince of peace” What does that mean to you?
