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, today like every day, somebody or something will seize the attention and affection of our hearts. Our hearts will be ruled. It could be the bathroom mirror or the morning news, the shaming power of darkness or the fragile dance of the DOW, old regrets or new fantasies.
It might be overbearing people or underperforming children; our greed to have a little more attention, or our need to live with a lot less stress. It could be religion, politics, or one of a gazillion idols.
But by faith, right now in obedience to this one verse, we choose your peace as the ruler of our hearts—our “heart-boss.” No one knows peace better than you, Jesus, for you are the Prince of Peace. You don’t just give us peace; you are our peace.
By your finished work, you secured God’s peace with us, and our peace with God. Peace with God is now our legal right—a done deal, a settled issue, and irrevocably in place. How can we not overflow with gratitude as this Saturday begins and as it continues? God loves us as much as he loves you. He is our perfect Father and you are our glorious Bridegroom. Hallelujah!
By the power of the Spirit, may your peace tame our fears and calm anxieties; free us to accept things we cannot change; and hold us in the middle of the storms that threaten to overwhelm us.
Because you are at peace with us, we will seek to live at peace with others, Jesus. Because you have forgiven us, we choose to forgive others. Grant us the grace we need. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and persistent name.
