Today’s scripture: Colossians 3:15, Hebrews 7:25 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
It was my turn at bat, the time I dreaded most in Little League softball games. The umpire called three strikes and then bellowed in that big voice of his, “Y-e-e-e-u-u-r-r-r OUT!” Since I didn’t get a hit during the entire year, I was never surprised to hear those familiar words. Oh, if only we could have had a group gardening project instead, or even bike races! But, I had decided I should (with emphasis on should!) play baseball. And, in baseball, nobody contradicted the umpire. He ruled!
What about our daily walk with Jesus? For me, a lot of things try to rule my mind — for example, that nebulous feeling of “I’m just not up to it today.” Other times it’s discouragement, shame, guilt, or anger that my mind gets stuck in. It’s kind of like being in a vat full of the sticky glue of fear and hesitation, and trying to break free of it. Can you identify?
Colossians 3:15 urges us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. There’s a fabulous definition of the Greek word for “rule” in my concordance,* which says it means to “act as umpire, be enthroned as decider of everything.” So, when Colossians says let Christ’s peace rule, it means RULE! If fear takes top position in your mind and starts running the show, then picture the referee (Jesus Christ) running up to you and declaring, “YOU’RE SAFE! PEACE! YOU’VE GOT PEACE!”
Have you ever seen basketball coach Bob Knight protest a referee’s call against his team? Sometimes our minds can protest just as adamantly, saying, “Peace!? No way! Are you sleep-walking, ref?” If that happens, then just tell your mind that the Prince of Peace is not only the ultimate umpire, but also King, and He knows what He’s talking about!
Thankfully, as we let the peace of Christ rule, that glue of fear loses much of its power to bind us, and ever-increasing faith takes its place. Jesus Christ has gone “through the glue” and every other temptation, emerging into victory! He’s always there to help us!
Thought and prayer for the day: Lord, whenever the voices of fear, discouragement, or confusion try to rule my mind, help me see that the Lord Jesus Christ has the ultimate authority to declare once and for all, “PEACE!”
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.