by Pastor Mark Cowart
An anchor provides stability. With a heavy weight attached to a rope, it holds a boat in place and keeps it from drifting. It is held in position. Peace, as a part of our spiritual armor, is a weapon against the enemy. By your steady refusal to become fearful under attack, your ability to stand your ground, he is undone.
When you lose your peace, you become very vulnerable. Peace gives sure footing and protection. It is like a military guard over our heart. Without it, you will be adrift in the wind and the waves.
According to Colossians, you are instructed to let the peace of God rule in your heart. That word for “rule” there means to be like an umpire – to decide, direct, and control. If you have ever seen a person in uncontrolled panic, you know what a difference this director of peace can make.
The lack of that peace can signal that you need to course-correct on a decision. When you are uneasy in your spirit, it can be the Lord saying, “Don’t do that.” Then again, when dangerous, destructive, or uncertain times are upon you, His supernatural peace can come by the certainty that He will see you through.
Sometimes that can be the beginning of your greatest testimony, in the joy that comes from your heart resting in Him. When I received the news in the emergency room that my Dad had passed away following a collapse, I immediately felt a Holy Ghost fire inside that gave me the most wonderful, beautiful, best feeling I’ve ever had. My Mom, as well, was surrounded by God’s presence and felt His peace “that passes understanding.”
So, how do you allow the peace of God to rule in your heart? Colossians 3 instructs you to pursue the Word of God and walk in His ways, with joy and thanksgiving overflowing. In Philippians 4:6, before you get to peace, you lean into the Lord, trusting and thanking Him, even when things feel uncertain and unsettling.
To do that, you must build your faith on God’s Word. There is no other way to walk in this benefit of knowing Him.
DIVE DEEPER
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Colossians 3:15-17
• I Peter 3:11
• John 14:27
REFLECT
Have you experienced that lack of peace that reminds you to pause and wait on God for direction?
Can you recall a time when his supernatural peace carried you through a very difficult time?
PRAY
- Praise and thank God for His Holy Spirit living in you.
- Thank Him for His peace that surpasses understanding, keeping your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
- Ask for His guidance as you seek and find increased, abiding peace in your life.
- Ask for His enabling and opportunities to share that peace, along with the Gospel of repentance.
