Life in this realm is unpredictable and filled with things we cannot understand. Hopes are easily dashed and fears can dispel faith. Distress and turmoil around us and within cause us to question God’s goodness. We can easily doubt the faithfulness of a loving God in moments of despair. In such moments we wonder, Does God really love me? Does he truly care about my pain? Will my problems ever end?

Whether we realize it or not, the brokenness of sin brings despair, worry, doubt, and fear to our life, until God makes us whole by his grace. Only in Jesus can we find perfect peace!

This is why Paul says to the Colossians, And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (3:15-17)

If your life lacks peace today - peace in your inner being, peace in your relationship with those around you, peace with God - the Prince of peace, Jesus, is waiting to pour out His perfect peace into your life, to restore every single thing in your life that sin has broken. Paul challenged the Colossians in several ways. To be ruled by Christ’s peace and be in right relationship with God and others. To have a spirit of gratitude that destroys self-pity. To know that only the word of Christ can correct misguided attitudes and actions. To know Jesus more and more and live life daily by his grace alone. This is what it means to be ruled by peace, to be filled with gratitude toward Christ, to be fixed on the word of Christ, and be enthralled by the glory of Christ - all things Paul admonished.

Are you tired of the frustrations of this broken world? Are you weighed down by the pain around and inside you? Do you long for the calm that stills your restless heart? Then let the peace of Christ rule your heart today. Come to Jesus and receive all that He has for you. He alone will make every sin-broken thing in your life completely new!