BIBLE PASSAGE:
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’s 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. If we
expect His peace to rule, we must relinquish control of some areas of
our lives to Him.
Since many like to be ‘in control’, it requires a conscious and committed
effort. We can’t continue as we are and expect anything 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 and appreciation that we are family members with
other believers. As ‘members of one body’, we 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 can’t 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 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:
Questions to consider:
– Am I having a struggle finding peace?
– Do I feel like I am all alone?
– How is my relationship with the Lord?
If we are defiant in our obedience and we expect God to adapt
to our lifestyle, then we lack humility and will continue striving
to find inner peace.
God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow…He never changes.
If there is a gap in our relationship with Him, and we are yearning
for peace, then we are the ones who need to change, and not God.
We must “Let” God re-train our mind and thought processes. Peace
is not something we can achieve on our own – we need the Lord if
we are going to experience peace in our lives!
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the struggles in my life, and
You know how to grant me inner peace. Help me to make
the necessary changes in my own life so I can experience
the 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 do I hurt deep down inside, but I
know that Your love and compassion will bring me hope
and peace. I am thanking You now for how You will help
me to change, and for Your gift of peace to me.”
BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
Discussion
No comments yet.