WEDNESDAY: PEACE OF MIND

Aug 17, 2022
2 min read

Lord, I’ve not been at peace lately. I really want to learn how to be more thankful. Please show me the way to peace and thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:15-17

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

God provides simple and direct instructions for life. If I want the peace of Christ to rule in my heart, I must be thankful. If I’m thankful, peace will come; if I’m not, peace will elude me.

If I want the Word of Christ to dwell in my heart in a meaningful way, I must have gratitude. I can show that I’m grateful through my relationships with others: those I teach and admonish through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. If I’m serious about seeking Him more deeply, I must praise Him and teach others to do the same.

If I want the name of Christ to give me obedience and action, then I must give thanks to God through Jesus in everything I do. If I do something I know Jesus wouldn’t bless, then I know that’s the line where thankfulness stops, and peace dwindles.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: At the root of each of these directions is thanksgiving. As I prepare my heart for giving thanks, I must be willing to do a few things. If I want Christ to rule my heart with peace, I need to let go of the things which are robbing my peace.

If I want Christ to dwell in my heart richly, I will praise Him on every occasion. I realize the reason I don’t praise Him is my pride which gets in the way because I desire the praise.

If I want to do anything in the name of Christ, I will think first about whether it will honor Christ. Through my obedience, He is blessed; through my praise, He is lifted up; through my peace-making, He is a peace-giver. In order to receive blessing, I must be willing to bless the Lord. He is worthy of my praise. He is honored through my obedience. He is overjoyed when I rejoice at the peace He brings into my heart.

Lord, I honor You today with my thankfulness for Your presence in my life, for Your gift of salvation, and for eternal life with You. I will never be more blessed than when I’m blessing You. Guide and direct me today into a time of continuous thanksgiving.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman