It may not feel like summer is coming to a close since it is still a scorching 100 degrees outside, but sure enough, September is closing in on us fast. Unfortunately, this means no more days at the lake, a whole new school year, and most likely added stress. Just the thought of the upcoming busy days makes your stomach turn, but isn’t there a way for you to be calm no matter what the future months may hold?
There is one thing that we all have in common. Whether you’re a single dad, a teenager that can’t decide where to go to college, a mom drowning in her work, or a happily married couple, we all have a desire – a need, in the depths of our hearts. Peace. We look for it in all the wrong places and sure, there are things in this world that can satisfy our longing for peace in the moment, but nothing will fulfill that ache like the peace that only God Himself can pour out onto us.
We can’t find it in a basement party, baseball game, a night club, or even lunch with a best friend. We have to surrender ourselves and let our caring Heavenly Father do what He does best. Provide for us. Provide His peace and comfort.
Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Did you read that? We are called to peace! Not the peace that we have been struggling to chase after but God-given peace. The verse does not stop there, it ends with “and be thankful.” this reminds me of James 1:2, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” We are also called to be thankful! Thankful for the opportunity to be faithful and let God rule in our lives, giving us His unmatchable peace.
When we turn away from our hopeless attempts to control a need in our lives that we were only ever supposed to let God give, we will reign in life no matter what chaos surrounds us.
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
~ 2 Corinthians 13:11
