Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 NASB2020
I believe a grateful heart is a peaceful heart. You can only focus on one thing at a time. If you’re focused on being thankful to God for all of His blessings, then you’re unable to focus on lesser things that might cause you to worry or fear. Keep your mind on things above.
The more you know God, the more peace you will have. It’s really that simple. Great way to know God? Read and pray through the New Testament. What do I mean by that? Read the New Testament out loud to yourself. As you see, speak and hear God’s written Word, it will engage all of you. As you are immersing yourself in truth, it will minister to your soul.
If you find yourself proclaiming truth that doesn’t resonate with your current situation in life, confess your unbelief to God and pray for His truth to replace the lies that you’ve been believing and acting on. Pray bold prayers of faith, asking God to conform your heart to His truth.
For example, let’s take another look at today’s verse. Read it out loud to yourself. Read it a few times. Notice how your body and mind feel as you do.
Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].
Colossians 3:15 AMP
Walking with God is walking in peace. If something is causing you anxiety, that should be a warning sign that you have departed from the way of peace. God’s not in a hurry and neither are we.
Now, let’s pray through the verse. Make it personal. For example: “Lord, let Your peace rule in my heart. May the peace of Christ help me to make good decisions today. Lord, You have called me to Yourself, to be part of Your Body of believers. Thank You, God, that I belong to You and for saving me from my sinful ways and restoring me to the path of righteousness.”
As you do this, you’ll find your prayers being inspired by the Holy Spirit that dwells within you. The Holy Spirit’s role is to bring glory to Jesus and comfort our souls. As we glorify Jesus with our mouths from our hearts, it renews our minds and wipes away all the lies and cares and concerns of this world. Take your time with this approach to Scripture. It’s not how fast you get through it, but how deeply the Word gets in you.
You’ll find yourself filled with the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy and peace will spring forth from your spirit into your soul and through your body. The more you do it, the more fruitful you will be. That’s God’s Word, living and active, doing its thing.
May the Lord bless you this day with undying love for your Savior. May He give you peace that surpasses all understanding. And may the joy of the Lord be your strength, each and everyday. Amen.
Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16 AMP