Day #34

Colossians 3:15-17

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Today I want to focus on verse 15. Monday I will focus on the rest.

The other day Andy and I were discussing a situation and he pointed out he wasn't sure if that person had peace. His comment stopped me in my thoughts. So often I think people, even members of the body of Christ, don't have a peace in their hearts. And that is why they allow life to keep them in bondage.

I know in my life my I can pick out chapters where peace filled my heart, despite hardship. But I can just as easily pick out chapters in my life where something other than peace filled my heart. Why do you think this happens? Jealousy, bitterness, darkness have a sneaky way of ruling our hearts. Often, I don't even notice when it's happening.

I think this verse helps answer that question for me. The sentence, and be thankful. When I stop being thankful, ugliness can take over. I’m not sure I'm articulating that very well. Let me try again... When I have peace in my heart (even in hard times) I'm much more aware of extending my gratitude to the Lord. When I stop offering my thankfulness to God, my connection, my relationship, my peace with God is not the center of my heart. This is the perfect opportunity for the enemy to be sly and let ugly thoughts fill my heart. Gross! I don't want that. God, may I always be thankful and always have your peace fill my heart.