Be At Peace – The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk

“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

Have you ever watched a literal rat race? They climb over each other, bite, and claw their way to the finish line where that prized piece of cheese waits. It can get ugly.

Lately, it seems like everywhere I go, this is what I experience. The freeways have become a free-for-all. Stores are crowded with shoppers who will grab the “cheese” right out of your hand as if it is the last one on earth. No wonder online shopping has become so popular.

Even in the privacy of our email inboxes, we are bombarded with distractions—flash sales that will only last for the next sixty minutes and endless “giving opportunities.” From the moment we wake, the enemy does everything he can to take our eyes off CHRISTmas and the peace it should bring.

In our age of cars, technology, and noise, you may think these disturbances are new, but they’re not. That is why Scripture teaches about peace in more than 400 places. The first reference appears in Genesis 15, where God promises Abraham that he will rest in peace at his death. But we also have the promise of peace while we live.

We may feel the pressure mounting, yet we can have peace because God is with us (2 Corinthians 4:7–18). And He has promised never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5). Just as He fought for the children of Israel, He will fight our battles for us (Exodus 14:14).

So what does He desire from us so that He can give us His gift of peace?
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 And that perfect peace is Jesus. “For He Himself is our peace…” — Ephesians 2:14 We must take our eyes off the rat race, the busyness of life, our own problems, and the problems of this broken world, and fix them solely on the Prince of Peace. After all, that’s why He came.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” —John 14:27

As I reflect on the circumstances that attempt to steal my peace this season, I’m reminded to turn my eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face. Nothing and no one has the power to take away what He has promised. If something distracts me or disturbs my peace, I need only to look away from it and into the eyes of my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

This Advent season, let Him be your peace. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. Let others see a difference in you because your heart has become the throne room for the Prince of Peace.

Questions for Reflection

• Is something threatening to steal your peace?
• Can you surrender it to the One who has promised to be your Peace?

I encourage you to surround yourself with worship, good fellowship, and wise counsel that leads you toward peace.

Worship With Me

“Emmanuel” — Amy Grant

My Prayer for You Today

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
— Numbers 6:24–26

Further Reading

50 Bible Verses About Peace – Bible Study Tools

The Path To Peace – Ann Swindell

My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas. I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block. While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot.../dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3... The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP). At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects! Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God” View more posts