How To Let Peace Rule

How to Let Peace Rule

Samantha Evilsizer

No more able are we to drive the rain back in the clouds by holding hands to the sky …

Or stretch a rainbow’s colors wide by scurrying to grasp its tail …

Or force the tides to retreat by running at the sea …

No more capable of these feats are we, than pursuing and capturing peace. Peace.

That for which the world wars. Families crumble. People roam. That for which we compromise, improvise, and televise: It’s here … if only you race after it with your time, your money, your life.

But for all our chasing, we never lay hold of peace. Not until we reckon with the truth that there is only one true source of peace, and it is available free to all. The Bible says it in just nine words: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).

If we are to find peace, we must become students of the One who is our peace, Jesus Christ. He who is the Word. And this bit of Word, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” is a fine mentor.

This truth teaches us to slow down. Those two words—let and rule— intend to “umpire” our hurried hearts. So when circumstances crumble and we worriedly scramble to right them, we are taught to pause and call our hearts to peace. How do we do this? Through intimate knowledge of He who is our peace.

• Christ is trustworthy, as His resurrection proves. (Matthew 28:1–10)
• Christ controls the storms, as calmed winds and waves attest. (Mark 4:35–41)
• Christ knows every detail, as His healing power shows. (Mark 5:21–43)

It will take time to teach our hearts to let peace rule. Umpires don’t begin careers in the World Series. Indeed, umpires go through rigorous training and schooling. They must work for years in the minor leagues before even dreaming of the majors.

We too must set our hearts and minds to learning and training. A good place to start is with the minors. Calling our hearts to peace when running late, when dinner burns, when scrapes and bruises happen, when fender benders occur. This is our practice and preparation for when the doctor calls, the pink slip arrives, the papers are served, and the accusations fly.

We call our hearts to trust in the One who is faithful to us in the small things, so that we learn His character again and again. This gives our hearts the training we need to know He is as trustworthy with the big things as He is with the in-between things. He is trustworthy with everything.

Dear Lord, You are my peace. Teach me Your ways; direct me in Your truth. Calm my hurried heart. I want to know You more and more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

If we are to find peace, we must become students of the One who is our peace, Jesus Christ.

REFLECT

It will take time to teach your heart to let peace rule. To prepare you for the big things, what small things can you trust God for?

RESPOND

Memorize one of these verses about peace today. Call them out to your heart when trouble comes. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

POWER VERSES

Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27