Hard to believe that we can have the peace that comes from Christ but not live in it, isn’t it?

God said to let it rule in our hearts. Let’s break that down a little. If we’re to let it rule in our hearts, we have to have it first. If we have it and He tells us to let it rule, we’re not already doing it.

From experience I can tell you that it is possible to have the peace that comes from Christ in you, dwelling there, yet not letting it have the reign over your decisions, your daily walk, your faith system. In the depths of depression I stayed in touch with God, read my Bible every day, yet I had no peace, not the true peace of Christ.

These words seem so simple, but when we read the Amplified Version, we get a deeper picture of what God meant when He said them through the Apostle Paul:
“And let the peace, soul harmony, which comes from Christ rule, act as umpire continually, in your hearts, deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state to which as members of Christ’s one body you were also called to live. And be thankful/appreciative, giving praise to God always.”

• Soul harmony.
• Act as umpire continually.
• Deciding and settling with finality all questions.
• That peaceful state you were called to live.

Paul was telling believers to be displays of tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, and patience. He told them to make allowances for each other’s faults, forgive those who offend, and clothe themselves in love. Then he talked about this peace.

This peace doesn’t come from following the Law and working to maintain it, but it does help us live according to God’s will. This peace gives us a choice when life happens. We must choose to let it envelope our heart and soul. We must work within it to make choices ahead of time, setting it up as as the mitigating factor in every decision.

When we have those hard decisions made ahead of time from the position of peace in Christ, we don’t fall prey to the fears and chaos that come with living. Challenging times are less challenging because we have settled in our minds what our course of action will be.

Are you craving that kind of soul harmony that grants relief in the middle of the worst storm you can imagine? Do you need an umpire in your life, calling the difference between each pitch into life you throw? Do you need help deciding and settling the questions of life once and for all? Do you long for the peaceful state you see other believers living in?

It’s quite simple, yet very difficult. You have only to let go the reign of your life. Surrender. Admit you are not in control and acknowledge that you really don’t want to be (but only if you mean it). Lean heavily on the One who made you and trust in Him for the peace that surpasses your comprehension.

It’s okay. Let’s start today, “God, I am not in control and I need the peace that comes from Christ to reign in me.”

Coffee, Bible, Journal.