What Are You Letting In?


Raising sons often meant having to call out to close the door. 
"You're letting the cold in." 
"You're letting the bugs come in."
"Don't let the dog in."
When you hold the door open anything can come in. 
When it comes to the door of our hearts there's one thing we definitely want to let in, and that's the peace of Christ. Then to take it a step further, we don't just want to let it in. We want to let it rule. 

Paul wrote it like this to the believers in Colassae.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15.

When we come to faith in Christ peace is something we receive. Peace with God. Jesus said, "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27. Yet, we do get troubled and afraid. Although, Jesus gave us this peace too often we don't take Paul's advice on what to do with it. Instead of letting peace rule in our hearts we stick it on a back shelf somewhere. It's there, but it's not in charge. Instead, worry rules. If not worry then doubt or anxiety are in charge. This was never God's plan.

Peace was given as both a gift and a calling. We're called to let peace reign. To let it rule. To leave it in charge. Troubling circumstances can make this challenging, but troubling circumstances are why we were given peace to begin with. When things come your way that cause fear to want to rule your heart shut the door on fear by quoting the truths of God's word, and let peace rule in your heart. It takes some practice, but don't give up on this. 
Remember these words, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.
Let peace reign.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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