By Benjamin H. Liles
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15, NKJV
So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. ~ Colossians 3:12-15, AMP.
I love how in the Amplified it says, “Let the peace of Christ [the
inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in
your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace
indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be
thankful [to God always].” Walking in peace: what does this mean and
what does it look like? I ask because I admit I fall short of keeping
His peace within myself as well as walking in it.
Lately, I’ve been struggling a great deal wondering what am I supposed to be doing in and with my life, as well as wondering how I’m to bless others when I want to be blessed as well. I don’t mean to focus on myself, but I sometimes wonder, “God, did you forget me?” Rather, I think the writer’s intention of saying, “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]” means that I shouldn’t be tossed about or even buffeted by the waves of life that seem to overwhelm and capsize the boat I’m in.
If Jesus truly is in my life I wouldn’t be so concerned with my own need; God knows better than I do about my needs, as well as to my desires. I think what Paul is getting at is if some of us are called to be like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him, and being the person He needs us to be, then those of us who are like that need to remain there. In short, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10, NKJ).
There are so many things in life I cannot control that only God can. It is why I should be and remain at rest, allowing Him to do those things I certainly cannot.
At the same time, what ever you are struggling with, take note that God knows it all. He desires to move in your life. Do the best you can to let Him know you leave it all to Him. Rest in who He is, what He can do. For this is the same God who raised His friend Lazarus from the cave. This is the same God who rose from the dead. This is the same One who took the nails on our behalf. He lives now at the right hand of Almighty God, the Father. In Jesus' name I pray this blesses and comforts you. Amen.
Lately, I’ve been struggling a great deal wondering what am I supposed to be doing in and with my life, as well as wondering how I’m to bless others when I want to be blessed as well. I don’t mean to focus on myself, but I sometimes wonder, “God, did you forget me?” Rather, I think the writer’s intention of saying, “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]” means that I shouldn’t be tossed about or even buffeted by the waves of life that seem to overwhelm and capsize the boat I’m in.
If Jesus truly is in my life I wouldn’t be so concerned with my own need; God knows better than I do about my needs, as well as to my desires. I think what Paul is getting at is if some of us are called to be like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him, and being the person He needs us to be, then those of us who are like that need to remain there. In short, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10, NKJ).
There are so many things in life I cannot control that only God can. It is why I should be and remain at rest, allowing Him to do those things I certainly cannot.
At the same time, what ever you are struggling with, take note that God knows it all. He desires to move in your life. Do the best you can to let Him know you leave it all to Him. Rest in who He is, what He can do. For this is the same God who raised His friend Lazarus from the cave. This is the same God who rose from the dead. This is the same One who took the nails on our behalf. He lives now at the right hand of Almighty God, the Father. In Jesus' name I pray this blesses and comforts you. Amen.
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