“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”–Colossians 3:15

The phrase, “Let the peace of Christ rule” is calling my name. Peace sounds especially good after a long, frustrating day or after a disagreement with someone I care about. There are days when I long for peace.  Some days I am desparate for peace.

When I look up the word peace, this is what I find:

by implication prosperity: – one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again. (e-sword)

Who doesn’t want that kind of peace in their day? Since I am feeling crazy groovy today, I also looked up the word rule, which means to arbitrate, prevail, and to govern. These are words that go with authority.  Peace is serious business!

Now I can let that peace come in and be a visitor, or I can let Christ, who is my peace, come in and take over. You see, Christ not only has peace, the Bible tells us He IS peace–our peace. That peace is a personal thing.

For He Himself is our peace…Ephesians 2:14a

Peace is a gift straight from the heart of God with my name on it (and because He is so good, He’s got one for you too). God wants for us to learn to live in the peace of Christ, to know the authority and power of His peace in our hearts.

Let the peace of Christ rule…notice it does not say make the peace. I don’t have to somehow create peace when my mind is in turmoil.

My job is to LET IT.

I am learning the lesson of letting.

As a believer, Christ dwells within me, therefore His peace is accessible. Letting lessons don’t come easily; there is something in me that will fight tooth and nail to hang onto anxiety, worry, or fear.

What is it for you? Maybe your lessons in letting the peace of Christ rule have more to do with frustration, impatience, bitterness, or unforgiveness. Maybe you have a drive for control that will not let you rest. Maybe there is someone stomping on your last nerve. For each one of us that trigger point of discord is different.

Too often I equate peace with getting what I want, feeling good, and believing all is right in my world…right now.

If those are my pre-req’s for peace, then peace is based on my situation rather than the fullness of Christ at work in me. There have been way too many days in my life when anxiety and desire for having it my way are ruling the roost. Learning to LET Christ bring His peace to my frazzled nerves will never come as long as I am looking to my situation, my solution, or my anything… to bring peace. Until I learn my lessons of letting, these words leave my spirit frustrated to see what I can have but not be able to get there.

Bottom line: that is no way to live.