Presiding Peace

    

 

   

 

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."  Col 3:15 (NKJV)

 

 

I like this verse.  It is awesome advice to live by.  Sadly, I do not always live up to its standards.  Sometimes, I let rationalizing, worrying and fretting rule in my heart.  Sometimes I get so busy looking at where I want to end up, I forget to be thankful for where I am now.

 

"Let the peace of God rule in your heart" has so many connotations to me.  First of all, it means, let it sit on the throne of your heart.  Let it have preeminence to anything else.  A second things this could imply is that we are to let the peace of God make the rulings of our life.  Should I quit my job?  Should I pursue this course of study?  The best way to decide is to go with the decision that results in the most peace in your heart.  A third thing I take away from this verse, is that I have a responsibility to let peace rule in my heart.  Peace  will not hog-tie me and make me obey.  It quietly beckons, offering help.  Ultimately, it is up to me how much leverage I give to it.

 

The second part of this verse that strikes me is the importance of being thankful.  The "Old-timers" used to implore us to "count our blessings."  It is still good advice.  When I am having a rough day and choosing to be thankful it can go something like this.  Lord thank you for:

 

·         saving me

·         blessing with a wonderful husband

·         my beautiful children

·         my mother & my mother & father-in-law

·         a home to live in

·         food

·         clothing

·         clean water

·         vehicles

·         freedom to worship you

·         a fantastic church family

·         supportive friends

·         jobs to support our family, etc.

 

The list is positively endless.  Practicing the "attitude of gratitude" takes some effort.  But thinking upon "the pure and lovely" (Col.  3:8) really will help reset our minds to happier, more positive, hopeful and powerful thoughts.

 

Let's get our peace and praise on!

Dear God, I am humbled by your provision and protection of me.  Thank you for all of the wonderful blessings you pour out in my life.  Help me to center myself in you, and let peace preside.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

Say, "Thank You!"

 

  

 

16" Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NKJV)

 

Kids can be refreshingly (and embarrassingly) honest.  That is why before every preschool birthday party, I carefully school the children on how to respond to gifts.  For instance, they have been taught to never say, "I already have one of these."  Rather, they are told to say.  "I really like this.  Thank you for getting it for me."  If they are given something they have no idea what is, I encourage them to say, "Thank you!  I didn't have one of those!"  Really, I have trained them to show gratitude no matter what the present is.  Because when it is all said and done, someone thought enough of them to spend their hard earned money and honor their birthday.  Obviously, when they get something awesome, no training is necessary.  They effuse gratitude unsolicited.

 

Spiritually, we deal with the same dilemma.  No one has a problem thanking God when a promotion comes, they receive healing, a long-time prayer is answered or they have a new baby.  Thanking God rolls naturally off of our tongue at that time.  But when times are hard, when like develops a stench, we still must be able to give thanks. 

 

If we can find it in our heart to rejoice and give thanks, it blesses the heart of the Father, and also puts us in a right frame of mind to receive whatever it is we have need of.  But truthfully, this can be easier said than done.  At times that I have asked God for things,  I have had to choose to recall that if He never does another thing for me, He has already done it all.  Dying for my sins is more than I deserve.  He chooses to give us way more than that- thank the Lord!  But we have to operate from a point of gratitude and thanksgiving if our hearts are to be in right alignment with Him.  I have heard it said often, "Practice an attitude of gratitude."

 

 

Dear Lord, thank you for salvation.  For living in a free country, for the blessing of an awesome family and wonderful friends.  I even choose to thank you, Lord, for the things that are currently stressing me out.  I know that you work it all for my good.  In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Sherri