Do You Need Peace?

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


How many times have we found ourselves longing for a little peace? Whether we’re experiencing chaos at work or chaos at home or chaos in traffic between the two, peace seems like a welcomed relief.


The peace mentioned in this verse supersedes chaotic situations. This is the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:7 that “passes all understanding.” It’s a peace from God that overrides our natural system of worry and doubt. There is no logical reason for this kind of peace. You just know that you know that you know that God is with you and that He will work these things for your good.


Notice the position that peace holds in this verse. The job of peace, if you will, is to rule our hearts. Some translations actual call this position an umpire. Peace calls the balls and strikes. Peace rules whether something is out of bounds.


Some may look at having peace as a copout for not dealing with their life. They want to reject anything that brings discomfort or unease because it violates their peace. But, peace is so much more than merely an emotional state.


Peace is a quiet confidence and assurance that God has a plan for us and that He is guiding our steps. The great thing about peace is that we can possess God’s peace even when the world around us is falling apart. God’s peace gives us the hope and the courage to face hardship and trials. Because of peace, we can persevere in difficult situations.


Some things, however, are not compatible with God’s peace. Guilt violates God’s peace. If we feel guilty over something, we feel plenty of unease, and we should. Hopefully our discomfort causes us to make things right so we don’t feel guilty. If we’ve offended someone or done something wrong, we should reconcile. If we’ve sinned, then we need to seek God’s forgiveness. He’s always willing to give it (1 John 1:9).


Shame also interrupts God’s peace. While God convicts believers of sin, He doesn’t condemn them. Shame is a condemning sort of thing. It’s a tool the enemy uses to convince us that we’re not fit for the great things God has for us. We’ve all done things that we’re not proud of. As far as God is concerned, those things are as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). As far as we’re concerned, when the enemy brings shameful things to mind, we need to say, “Yes, I did do that. That’s the way I used to live. But, I’m washed. I’m clean. I’m forgiven. I’m God’s child. God isn’t holding those things against me anymore” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).


When we are seeking God’s will for direction, God speaks through His peace. God will give us peace for the things He directs us to. This is different from being excited about something or wanting something desperately. Sometimes we want things that God doesn’t want for us. In your heart of hearts, God will direct you by His peace. It’s not a guarantee that everything will work out alright. But, it is assurance that He is with you.


What is ruling your heart these days? Worry? Fear? Doubt? Ask God for His peace. Ask Him to reveal anything that is violating His peace in your life. God doesn’t necessarily promise a peaceful path, but He does offer a peace that passes understanding.