“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Col. 3:15
Gracious Jesus, all weekend long, something will rule in our hearts. Through our naïve passivity or a relentless search for relief; by no fault of our own, or because we can be bad stewards of good longings… we will make choices that greatly impact us, and people we love.
You won the war for our heart’s eternity, but it’s functional lord each day is up for grabs. If we won’t surrender to your peace as our heart-boss, maybe it’s good for us to consider our options. We could always choose resentment, but then again, you tell us “resentment kills a fool” (Job 5:2). Maybe envy? Not a good choice either, unless we want “bone rot” (Prov.14:20).
Perhaps dreaming, craving, and angling for more money? Not unless being “plunged into ruin and destruction” looks attractive to us (1 Tim.6:9). Maybe there’s someone out there that really “gets me”—somebody that can fill us up? Jesus, thanks for being graphic about this one. Replacing you with people, romance, or a sexualized relationship is like “an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (Prov.7:22). Ouch. Big ouch. And thank you.
Jesus, in fresh Gospel-sanity, with our palms facing upward and our hearts as joyfully open to you as possible … we surrender to you. You are our loving King, passionate Bridegroom, and Prince of Peace. As you rejoice over us with singing, now rule inside us with your peace. So VERY Amen.
