““And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15

What is the peace of God? Many Christians talk about having peace, yet they are far from having the peace of God within their hearts. You may have heard that the Hebrew word for peace is (Shalom). However. you may not have fully understood its meaning. Does the word bring up tranquility, calmness, or restfulness in your mind? You are not far from the mark of its meaning. Some of us need to find His peace within our hearts once again, for we have lost it somehow during our personal trials in life.

For some, and I also speak of myself, have found this year to be a difficult one. Have you ever felt like quitting or giving up what God has called you to do. I have seen those in ministry retire early or leave what they were doing for the Lord. I know that if we are not listening to His voice, we may miss the mark of our calling. That is why if peace is lacking in our life, we must take stock as to the reason why it is lacking.

For me, it was being overwhelmed by physical ailments that was disruptive in my everyday living. You might say that I am having a Job experience, but I am working through it to see God’s divine wisdom and not my own. It does not matter what your age is when going through a trial, it matters if you are able to come through it like Job did. I encourage you to read about Job in your Bible. We must have our Faith built up in Christ and not lose our focus that we are justified by faith and nothing else.

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Notice what the apostle Paul states? Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We can approach Him every day in prayer by faith to receive His grace for our needs. Peace means to have wholeness, completeness, health, prosperity, contentment, and harmony in relationships. If you find yourself lacking in these areas, then ask yourself the question why you are lacking peace in your life. It could be that you are missing something that God wants you to know, or you need to change your behavior in regard to a situation.

No matter what situation you are in, we must surrender it to the Lord and ask for help and wisdom to understand what it is that needs to be changed including our behavior. It could be that our diet needs to change as it was in my case. Our God is concerned with our health and our behavior. This is a part of His peace in our lives. His word is important and we must listen and not ignore it.

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

Do you have the mind of Christ? Are you able to be instructed as to the mind of Christ? Seek His word and allow the Holy Spirit to instruct you in the way you should go.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalms 32:8

To live in peace, we must not ignore His instruction in the word and pray for help in our time of need. You must believe that His will for you will be answered in a timely fashion. I like what the apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, and this means that He is also telling us the same thing.

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

Be perfect in the Lord, be of good comfort, be of the mind of Christ, and live in peace. As you learn to live in peace you will have the God of love and peace with you. Praise the wonderful name of our Lord.