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
Have you ever had one of those days when there was so much confusion whirling around in your head that you felt like screaming, “STOP”?
I’ve been there, how about you? From time to time, everyone has that kind of a day. And when you do, your temptation is probably either to react to someone in an ugly, frustrating way or to get depressed, go to bed, and forget about it all. However, you know that neither choice will help you solve the problems you are facing. Rather than throw in the towel and give way to these emotions that want to get the best of you, why not stop right then and make a decision to let the peace of Christ rule you? When I say “rule” you, I’m talking about God’s supernatural peace dominating and governing every emotion and situation that confronts you.
If you don’t make this decision and follow through with it, worry, fear, insecurity, doubt, and a whole host of other emotions will definitely try to take control. And there is no worse rollercoaster ride than when you are being knocked all over the place by emotions that are out of control! Instead, let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, as Paul wrote in Colossians 3:15. The Greek word “rule” in this verse was used to describe the umpire or referee who moderated and judged the athletic competitions that were so popular in the ancient world. Paul uses this word to tell us that the peace of Christ can work like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions.
When injurious emotions attempt to exert control over us or try to throw us into an emotional frenzy, we can stop it from happening by making the choice to let Christ’s peace rise up from deep inside us like an umpire or referee to moderate our emotions. As we do, we will be kept under the control of that divine peace as it rules in our hearts. It’s like Jesus standing up in the boat that was being tossed about by the storm. He calmly told the storm to cease and immediately there was peace in the air and peace in the sea. And when Christ’s Spirit, the divine umpire steps into the game, He suddenly begins to call the shots and make all the decisions instead of fretfulness, anxiety, and worry. The storms in our mind and heart have to cease when Christ’s Spirit is in control.
Colossians 3:15 could be translated:
- “Let the peace of God call the shots in your life….”
- “Let the peace of God be the umpire in your life and actions….”
- “Let the peace of God act as referee in your emotions and your decisions….”
Even though it’s true that everyone has hard days and difficult weeks, you don’t have to surrender to those emotions that try to steal your joy, disturb your relationships, and rob you of your victory. When you feel overwhelmed by problems or emotions that are hitting you from every direction, just stop a moment and deliberately set your heart and mind on Jesus and the Word of God. As you do this, the wonderful, conquering, dominating, supernatural peace of the Lord will rise up from your spirit and take control!
At Christmas the angels announced “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14). People around the world would pay plenty to have a dose of that. The Prince of Peace who has entered our lives through repentance and faith graces us with instant “peace” in any moment we call on and yield to His rule.
Let God call the shots – Pastor Steve