Did you know that, as a follower of Christ, God has "called you to live in peace"? It's true. The Scripture above isn't the only time that the apostle Paul imparts this truth to us. He says it again in Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace." (Colossians 3:15 NLT)

But God's peace in our lives is not automatic. We have to cooperate with Him to experience this kind of peace, "which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand." (Philippians 4:7 TLB) That's because this fallen world will do its best - along with the forces of darkness - to rob us of the peace that is our inheritance in Christ. The Amplified translation of Colossians 3:15 gives us insight into an important aspect of enjoying divine peace. "Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]." Did you see that? We will experience an "inner calm" as we "walk daily with [Christ]."

The kind of "walk" that the Scripture is talking about here is an intimate relationship with Christ. When we feel distant from God, it robs us of the kind of peace and inner calmness that make us feel whole. And when we feel like the Lord is a long way off from us, guess who moved? Certainly not God. WE are the ones who have drifted away from Him and His blessings. How do we get back on track? We begin by humbling ourselves before Him, expressing a heartfelt sorrow for our sins, and asking Him to help us to walk in intimate fellowship with Him all the rest of our days.

As the verse above states, we should allow the peace of Christ to "be the controlling factor in [our] hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]." God uses His peace, or the absence of it, to guide us along His paths of purpose and blessing. Each time we have a decision to make - whether large or small - we should seek the Lord's guidance and wisdom. If we begin to move in a certain direction with peace in our hearts, we can keep heading in that direction. But if we take a step and feel an absence of peace - a strong sense of hesitation or inner turmoil - then we should pause and wait to receive further direction from the Lord. This way, we won't make a problem worse than it already is, or miss out on the ultimate reward that God has for us up ahead.

The Living Bible translation of Colossians 3:15 says: "Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of His body. And always be thankful." Let's give thanks today for God's indescribable gift of peace!

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful that You have called me to live in peace. Help me to live my life in such a way that makes the most of this precious gift that You have offered me. Teach me by Your Spirit to cooperate with You every day, and to walk in intimate fellowship with You. Show me how to allow Your peace to guide me in every choice and decision I make. Thank You that as I pursue peace all the rest of my days, I will experience life at its very best!