Marsha's Musings: The Peace of God

I have read the verses below many times, but this time something struck me about them. Read them and then read my comments below.

Colossians 3:12 ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these
things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of
God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye
thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching
and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by
him.

Philppians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There are several direct commands in these verses.

• Put on mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering toward your fellow man



• Be patient and forgiving of others



• Act in charity (love) toward others



• Let the peace of God rule in your heart



• Be thankful



• Let the word of God dwell in you



• Encourage others in the faith



• Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus



• Give thanks



• Don't be anxious (careful for nothing)



• Bring everything to God in prayer



• Pray with thanksgiving



• Think on all the good things listed in verse 8

Does the peace of God rule in your heart? Do you have the peace that passes all understanding? Why not? Take a look back over the list above. It is a command that WE are to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. So often we lament and cry the blues because we don't have any peace and we feel that because we are a Christian that God will just rain down peace into our lives. I have news for you! WE have to obey the commands above in order to have God's peace in our lives. This was a revelation for me. I've read these verses millions of times over my life but it never dawned on me that I am responsible to obey the commands first. And did you notice that giving thanks shows up at least three times? How thankful are you? Then God's peace will rule in my heart.

I wonder how many psychiatrists would go out of business if people just practiced these principles in their lives each day?