Is Peace Ruling Your Heart?
by Lynette Kittle
“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
In the midst of this crazy, ever changing world, is peace ruling your heart?
If not, know that God has called you to peace. It’s His will for your life.
So if you’re not experiencing it and you would like to live in peace, how can you foster it in your life?
To begin with, look at where you are seeking wisdom. James 3:17 describes how “the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
If the information you’re taking in on a regular basis is not lining up with godly wisdom, it’s time for an evaluation of your sources. You can start this process by reviewing the activities you’re involved with including the games you’re playing, films you’re watching, books and commentary you’re reading, and music and speakers you’re listening to on a regular basis.
Next, take stock of the effects your choices are having in your attitudes, outlooks, and behaviors towards yourself and others.
Ask yourself how they are influencing your life with questions such as are you mirroring their philosophies and behaviors? Are these influences greatly shaping how you view the world? Have you adopted a line from a movie or book as your life saying rather than what God says about you?
If you find the answers to your questions are revealing the root of your lack of peace, look to Scripture to help you find your way to the only one true source of peace in this world.
As Isaiah 9:6 explains, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. So if you’re looking to the world as your source, you’ll not ever find it.
In His own words Jesus said, “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).
If you are truly looking for peace, you’ll look to make some changes in your life such as looking to God’s Word as your source of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement rather than what the culture is offering you.
Perhaps you feel giving up things you enjoy sounds too difficult? Hebrews 12:11 explains how “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
By turning towards God as your source of peace, you can be confident you’ll find it.
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, iBelieve.com, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, and more. She has an M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as an associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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