Possessing Peace in a Chaotic World

Apostle Paul teaches us in ‭Colossians 3:15,
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Paul tells us that we were "called to peace" so we should let that "peace of Christ" rule our hearts. How do we do that? How can we possess the peace of Christ when we live in such a chaotic world?

First, we need to examine what is ruling our hearts. Is it filled with worries, anxiety, resentment, jealousy, anger, negativity? What is consuming the space in our hearts? Is it the cares of this world? Is it consumed by that which is temporary instead of the eternal promises of God?

If our hearts are being ruled by that which is not of heaven, then there's no room for the peace of Christ to rule our hearts.

Paul teaches us in Colossians 3:1-2,
“[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Second, we must clothe ourselves with Christ as we read in Romans 13:14,
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

The desires of the flesh includes the human propensity to gravitate towards worry, harboring unforgiveness, feeling sorry for ourselves, stubbornness, negativity, sorrow, and so much more. We gratify the flesh by remaining in those mindsets and dwelling on them rather than clothing ourselves with Christ.

When we clothe ourselves with Christ, we clothe ourselves with His compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience as we read in Colossians 3:12-14.

Third, if we are in a place of grief, despair or have hit rock bottom...the peace of Christ is still accessible and completely possible to possess as we work through that season of life.

If we set our minds on the things above, we will be strengthened and encouraged to remember that everything and every circumstance on earth is temporary as we read in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,

[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Christ has overcome the world. He suffered greatly for us and won us the victory! He is our Savior, our Lord, our King. He is our eternal hope and salvation. He is the one who strengthens us, encourages us, gives us hope and gives us freedom. We have been "called to peace" by God. That peace we have been called to IS CHRIST.

Once we allow Christ to rule our heart, we can possess the "peace which transcends all understanding" as Christ, himself, will guard our hearts and our minds as we read in Philippians 4:4-9,

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near (so) [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things... And the God of peace will be with you.
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