12^th January

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were call to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

So often as Christians, and sadly so, we often look at the world with much despair. We often say or ask ourselves these type of things; When is Jesus coming back? Why is there so much sin in this world? I’m tired of the battles around me! I’m fed up of battling against my sinful nature! Etc.. These are all valid questions and honourable things to ask. Yet if we get so caught up in these questions, we can easily start focusing on the negative in this world, rather than the good God has made. Yes, there is a lot of bad, negative, stressful and tiring things we have to live with. BUT there is a lot of good in this world too.

God made the world good. That hasn’t changed. Yes we live in a sinful fallen world, but still there is so much good in it. If God didn’t want us to live here, we wouldn’t have been born. We need to stop looking at the negative things around us and start focusing on the good God has made. It is then that Christ’s peace can rule in our hearts. Jesus Himself said that He came to bring peace, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give it you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.”¹ God wants us to have peace, to not be afraid or troubled but rejoice in the goodness of what He has made for us.

If God lives in His people, if we are His church, then already there is a light that is shining in the darkness and growing each day. We are part of this Kingdom that can never be defeated. That is worth rejoicing about. Today’s challenge is to see the good in this world and praise God for it. To rejoice in the peace Christ gives. And to let it rule in our hearts.