“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” Colossians 3:15

Peace is a state of mind many speak about but few experience. When we marry, we dream of riding into the sunset, not realizing another day is coming. When we begin a new job, we look at the benefits without noticing the scars on our predecessors. Most people live day-to-day fretting, fighting, and frustrated with the lives they have.

“If only,” is the common preposition for us to use if we aim toward peace. “If only I had more money, I would have peace.” “If only I could start over, things would be different.” “If only people would leave me alone, I would be happy.” “If only I could slow down, I think I might make it.” In every statement, we are expressing one missing element in every situation. There is no peace.

Peace is an attitude. Peace identifies how we approach life. Peace describes a confidence that is not found amid frantic, frustrated efforts to overcome challenges and threats. Peace is a sign that two parties agree. There are no differences between them. Peace is usually the product of negotiations that lead to consensus.

Peace, being an attitude, should rule our hearts. How we look at life, and the future, is predetermined by our ability to allow peace to rule in our hearts, or how we let fear rule in our hearts. It is a decision that has already been made. It guides the decisions to be made. Circumstances are filtered through a confidence that we are not alone. God is with us and loves us. He will take care of us.

As Christians, our peace is found, not in our efforts, but that of Christ. He is our peace because he has eliminated the wall of hostility we create with our mistakes and failures and has established with us an everlasting covenant. He is our God and we are His children.

Many years ago, I saw a painting that was named, “Peace.” It was a dark shaded painting of a giant waterfall. Instead of peace, it seemed out of control and violent as it fell over the cliff, breaking limbs and trees at the bottom. But, when I looked more closely, I found the peace. Halfway down the cliff, there was a small bush beside the cataclysmic mist of the water. On that bush a limb extended out with a nest on it. In that nest was a bird nesting and asleep.

First of all, we don’t need the world to stop. We need to find our place of rest where we can find peace. For Christians, that should be found when we rest in the strong arms of Christ.

Dr. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church at www.psdbc.org.