¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message 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. ¹⁷ 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. – Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)

Can I let you in on a little secret? Ok… it’s not really a secret . Let’s just call it insight – something God is still working on me about. I’m very stubborn and thick, so it takes me a little longer than the average bear to get a hint.

Thankfully the Lord isn’t going to give up on me.

Here’s my insight – and it’s very simple and obvious yet profoundly true.

Here it is: if we want to live a life of true, deep, lasting peace, the peace that passes all human understanding, we have to trust in Jesus fully and completely and live by the precepts found in God’s Word.

God says love our enemies and pray for them, so we have to love and pray for them.

God says seek His kingdom first, so we need to set aside our own agendas and seek the Lord”s will first.

God says trust in Him with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, so we need to stop trying to figure everything out and trust in His absolute sovereignty.

God says don’t worry about anything, so we must set those anxious thoughts and, instead,focus on the Lord and what He has to say about life and our situations, for that is Truth.

God says forgive, so we must forgive.

God says love Him above all else and love others, so love.

God says be generous of spirit, so give yourself with much love and joy.

God says pray, so pray.

God says follow Jesus, so follow Jesus.

It only makes sense that, if we want the peace only Jesus gives, then we need to follow Him in faith and let Him form our thoughts and opinions, light our path, and make us salt and light.

You are so loved, dear friend. Rest in the Lord and sleep well.