There are many things which can cause you to be anxious or fearful. I remember one of the ladies who attended our church assemblies that seemed to always be anxious about something. When a thunder storm was approaching, she would sit on a rubber mat in the hallway of her house for fear of being electrocuted by lightning. World events also seemed to trouble her. She was afraid that someone might break into her house and steal her possessions. She was filled with anxiety. You might say that she was foolish to act that way, but what about you? You may not have the same anxieties, but do you have other things that trouble you and steal your peace of mind? Or do you let the peace of God rule in your heart? Colossians 3:15a “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”
For the peace of God to rule in your heart, it should serve as a governor or marshal over all the events happening in your life, like the governor over the ancient Olympic contests. The Olympics included contests such as wrestling, boxing, discus, and running. The governor would oversee all these events to make sure they were executed properly. In your life, the peace of God needs to rule over your heart during all the events that you experience.
I recently made a trip to the Philippines to work with the churches there. The trip was very eventful. When boarding my first flight, I absentmindedly left my laptop computer in the airport lobby. That first flight was delayed almost three hours due to weather, causing me to miss the second flight which was to cross the ocean. As a result, I arrived late in the Philippines without my luggage which included my clothes and many items I was bringing to the brethren. I was unable to reclaim my luggage until a week and a half later. Near the end of the trip, my hand bag was stolen with a large amount of money, lots of personal items, and my passport. The passport was the most critical because I couldn’t return home without my passport. The day of my return flight home, I had but a few hours to get a replacement passport at the embassy, have it stamped by Philippine immigration, and make it clear across the city to the airport for my return flight. People said there wasn’t enough time, but God blessed me and I made the flight. These are just a few of the things that occurred during the trip. There were many prayers offered on my behalf. Was I ever anxious when all these problems came my way? Yes, truthfully I experienced some anxiety. But overall, I had peace that whatever happened, God would work it for good. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” If you experienced the same things, would you have let the peace of God rule in your heart?
How can you let God’s peace rule in your heart? The best guidance is given in Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The peace of God will guard your heart and mind if you decide to not be anxious about anything but to pray and supplicate about everything while also giving thanks.
Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The world calls it peace when there is no conflict and no trouble. Jesus can give you peace in the midst of conflict and trouble only when you have genuine faith and trust in Him. Hebrews 13:5b-6 “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” In the midst of your trials, will you have boldness to say “The Lord is my helper, I will not be anxious”?
I encourage you to let the peace of God rule in your heart. Romans 15:33 “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”