Colossians 3:15
Let the peace that Christ gives rule in your hearts. As parts of one body, you were appointed to live in peace. And be thankful.
It’s really hard to feel this peace the apostle Paul talks about here. Events in our world consistently rob us of any peace that might bring us thankfulness.
Instead, we are filled with anger at the injustice surrounding us.
On so many arenas.
Only when I focus on the words in scriptures like this am I able to move beyond the horror and anger engulfing my heart.
Sadness fills me.
How Lord? How is this possible that such hatred can fill a human?
All. Over. The. World.
And how many of us (my hand raised here) are teetering on the brink of allowing that hatred to take up residency in our (my) own hearts?
We can hate the evil. We can hate the crime. We can hate the oppression.
But what do we do when our response is hatred based?
Do we become as wrong as the offender in the crime we protest?
Yes, I hate evil. Yes, I hate the crimes committed against the innocent.
Yes, I hate oppression. Yes, I hate injustice.
But, how do we protect ourselves from becoming the very thing we hate?
A hate that motivates all the things we hate.
This is my challenge – every day.
How do we raise our children and grandchildren to be different and live in a world of hate?
Not as haters but of peace makers?
There are many more scriptures that could be heading this post. But here is where I go to protect myself from the hatred settling deep in me.
History teaches us the horror that has filled its pages.
Humanity is wicked.
Only when we turn to the history recorded in scripture do we see any hope of hope.
Only when I pray scripture like this am I able to move the hatred of human Janet out and replace it with what Jesus’ teachings are centered around.
Forgiveness, repentance, a heart’s desire to be close to Him, love and finally a peace that truly passes all understanding as the holy spirit becomes part of who we are.
Only then will we find protection from the hatred swirling around us.
Only then will we be able to focus on making a difference in this world.
Only then will we be able to make wise decisions that will keep our hearts focused on being peace makers.
Will we be able to change everyone in the world? Nope – we are not God.
But His peace in us will change the community we exist in. It moves us beyond ourselves.
And there is where our thankful hearts can rest.
We have been given the gift of prayer. We can pray for the world. We can walk spreading hope and peace in every errand we do today. Every conversation we have. Every person who cuts us off on the highway. Every person who cuts in line. Into every conversation at work. Every response we give in every conversation.
I rest now – knowing that it is not by my power but by the power of God’s presence in my life that I am given the opportunity to reject helplessness and share the hopefulness and thankfulness He brings me.
Philippians 4:7
Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood.
“Lord, help us focus on You in these times of hopelessness. Fill us with Your hope and Your peace. Amen”
Your traveling buddy,
Janet