The Peace of Christ

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 3:15 AMP

Peace!  What is it? For some it’s the absence of war; for others, it’s time away from some people. When we were children and we were noisy, my mother would always long for peace. The dictionary defines peace as calm or quiet;   freedom from worry or annoyance. So for her, peace was quiet from her noisy children. For nations at war, peace means that the battle and the risk to the solders are over. That is the peace that man is able to provide. Peace that can be easily shattered.

Real peace is not manmade; it comes only through Jesus Christ.  The Apostle Paul said in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).” It’s as simple as that; our peace with God comes through Jesus Christ.

When God gives peace, that peace is not based on external circumstances. It has nothing to do with the activities of the person sitting next to you. However, the Bible tells us in Psalm 34:14, “Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” So that peace is not passive. You have to seek peace. In other words you have to search for it and when you see it, you need to go after it. That might sound confusing but it means that you examine the options open to you in a given situation, then, you identify the option that will result in peace and go after it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the other options were incorrect but they may not resulted in peace.

When anxiety wants to take over your life and you feel helpless and alone, remember that God gives peace. Jesus said in John 14:27 NLT, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  What a blessing! Jesus has left you with the gift of peace. So you can stand in the midst of your trials “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

Thought for Today: Friend, seek peace and pursue it.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.