WHERE IS THE PEACE IN MY VALLEY OF DESPAIR?

SCRIPTURE:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members 
of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  
(Colossians 3:15)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever heard the phrase, 
“You can call me anything, but don’t call me late for dinner”?
It is a funny quote but it can sometimes remind us 
that people can be cruel and harsh with their name calling.
Others can have a way of disrupting our peace by the things they say or do.
But that’s not the case when we have a good relationship with the Lord.
He is the author of a type of peace that surpasses human understanding.

God’s Word gives us the formula for experiencing this kind of peace.
It may not be easy for some, but it is certainly not complicated.
The scriptures tell us to let the peace of Christ “rule” in our hearts.
In order to do that, we have to relinquish control of some areas of our lives.

Since many like to be “in control”, 
it requires a conscious and committed effort.
We can’t continue as we are and expect something to magically change.
The key word in the scripture is “Let”.
This is a call to action, and one of the first actions is to develop humility.
God loves humble people but has issues with those who have arrogant pride.
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)

When we truly receive the ‘peace of Christ’, we will have 
a greater understanding of how we are family members with other believers.
As ‘members of one body’, we will discover the importance 
of encouraging each other, avoiding gossip, and worshipping together.

When we receive this unusual peace from the Lord, 
we should always be thankful and express our appreciation to our Gift Giver.
He is the One Who loves us enough 
to give us this inner peace that cannot be bought.
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. (John 14:27)

He has already paid the price so that we can be saved and receive His gift.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Thanking God for everything 
should emanate from the peaceful hearts of every believer.
This can be an indicator of humility, gratefulness and 
a heart full of His peace that has submitted to His control, 
and is not trying to be a Christian on their own terms.
We are saved because we want to be like Him, and not because 
we want the Lord to adapt His commands to fit our lifestyle.

ACTION:
Are you having a struggle finding peace?
Do you feel like you are all alone?
How is your relationship with the Lord?
If you are defiant in your obedience and you expect Him to adapt to your 
lifestyle, then you are lacking humility and more than likely 
will continue striving to find inner peace.

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow – He never changes.
If there is a gap in your relationship with Him, and you are 
yearning for peace, then it has to be you that needs to change, and not God.
You have to "Let" God re-train your mind and thought processes.
Peace is not something we can achieve on our own – we need the Lord!

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the struggles in my life. You also 
know how to grant me an inner peace. Help me to make the 
necessary changes in my own life so that I can experience an 
inner peace that I desperately need. Teach me to be humble, to 
be thankful, and to express my gratefulness to You in all things. 
I am tired and frustrated over trying to “fix” things myself and 
I ask You to take ‘full’ control of my life. How often I hurt deep 
down inside me, but I know that Your love and compassion will 
bring me hope and peace. I thank You now for how You will 
help me to change, and for Your gift of peace.”