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, NIV)
Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, ERV)
Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of His one body. And always be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, TPT)
Peace and gratitude go hand in hand. There are days I wake with a heart full of thanks, and it is on such mornings, that I am most aware of the peace of God, present with me. This morning, was one of those mornings. Despite a restless night’s sleep, I woke with thanks on my heart. The first thought I had was, “Thank You, Jesus, that it is Friday and that You have provided all that was needed to navigate this week!” As I made my way upstairs, my heart felt lighter and my mind clearer, as I prepare for the day ahead. I know not what lies before me today, in fact, I am not even certain as to what the day’s schedule will look like, as we have advisory and an event this afternoon. However, I do know that God will go before me, remain with me, and provide His peace, so for that, I can truly give Him thanks. Perhaps also, there was residual gratitude remaining for time spent together with the body. Mark and I met with our small group for the final time for the season last evening, and reminisced with gratitude as we drove home, for the great group of people with whom we had been placed. Peace has been present each time we have met, as all of us had something to offer to the whole. God is good and He will guide our hearts with His peace as we earnestly seek Him. May we ever give Him thanks.
Let the peace of God,
Come rule in our hearts;
For as one body,
It’s where true peace starts.
Allow peace to reign,
Your heart and your mind;
God’s grace to impart,
As our lives align.
In everything,
Live out gratitude;
For as we give thanks,
Our hearts are renewed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your peace permeates every facet of our lives when we seek You and depend on You. Thank You that You place us in a body to build us up and strengthen our resolve. Thank You that we never run out of reasons to give You thanks. Forgive us for the times that our priorities go awry and we lose sight of Your peace. Teach us to trust and depend on You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend Your perfect peace in places where peace feels absent. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the body in which we are placed, and praise for Your perfect peace that You provide when we seek You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11