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

Jesus Christ came into the world to bridge the gap that existed between God and humankind through His atoning sacrifice for our sin. This sacrifice makes it possible for us to be at peace with God because our sins are forgiven. But He not only made peace with God possible, He left us with His peace—the peace of Christ.

With only hours left before going to the cross, Jesus says to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you…” (John 14:27). With that phrase alone we know He had peace at a time of great turmoil and distress. How was that possible? Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” Jesus trusted His Father’s plans and freely submitted His will to that of His Father’s. Regardless of our circumstances, difficulties, trials, and struggles, which are a certainty in this life, we are to trust His plans for us. Paul was telling the Colossians, and now us, that we are to let the peace of Christ, that same peace Christ had as He laid down His life, rule in our hearts.

The Greek word that is translated “rule” is similar to what an umpire or referee does in athletic competitions today. Paul is telling us that Christ’s peace can work like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions. Whenever our peace is disrupted by detrimental emotions, we have an umpire to call out those thoughts that are tempting us to not trust in God’s goodness and great love for us. We are to let Him rule!

When we trust in Christ for our salvation, our eternal destiny is secured. When we trust that God allows all that we have faced, are facing, and will yet face in our life, our emotions are calmed. With our minds steadfast to that truth, we will have His peace which surpasses all understanding, that inner tranquility that affirms and keeps us, as part of the body of Christ, in obedience to His calling for us to live a life of peace. And how then can we not be thankful?

When we lose our trust in Him, we lose our peace from Him.

-Judy Calhoun