This entry was posted on Thursday, March 29th, 2007 at 12:00 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
A Peaceful Reign
I read a life transforming verse this morning:
Colossians 3:15a, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”
The definition according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary:
Rule – to exert control, direction, or influence on; to be preeminent in, dominate; to be first in prominence, predominate
So this peace isn’t dictated or defined by the world, my friends, my family, or even myself. This is the peace of Christ and it is to rule. It is to exert control, direction or influence on. It is to be preeminent in. It is to dominate. It is to be first in prominence. It is to be predominate. So anything else that tries to rise up in my heart – fear, anger, rebellion, unforgiveness, anxiety, bitterness… peace is to reign. The peace of Christ is to reign.
This peace does not come from me and for that I am thankful because I realize it isn’t one of my natural resources. But I do have a part. The verse also says I am to let His peace rule my heart. I have to allow it in and give it a place over anything else I’m feeling. That surrender is sometimes the hardest part.
There are times that I want to be angry and I want to win. There are times that I am so gripped with fear it’s all I’m focused on. There are times that I am convinced that worrying over a matter will solve it and letting go of my seeming control is unthinkable. But no matter what emotion rears its head, the perfect Word of God tells me I can let the peace of Christ rule in my heart. What a life giving, freeing verse to apply.
Lord, give me the ability to let go, to surrender, to grasp that which is better. Peace of Christ, rule in my heart…
2 Responses to “A Peaceful Reign”
June 23rd, 2007 at 3:08 am
PEACE OF CHRIST
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
June 23rd, 2007 at 7:08 am
Wonderful testimony! Thank you for sharing!