So you’ve got church one to two times on Sunday, dinner with
the Joneses on Tuesday, dance and gymnastics every day after school, and
football in the fall. The lawn needs to be raked, the dirty clothes pile is overflowing, and the dishes are
filling up the sink.
Life, for families in 2017, is crazy to say the least. Where
do we find time for each other? Where do we find time for our marriage? Where
do we find time for ourselves? Where do we find time for Christ?
Usually, I write about things that we have gone through and
dealt with in our marriage. Today, I’m writing about something that we
(especially me) are dealing with today…this very moment. I think it is crucial
though, so I want to share it. How do we find peace, as a couple, in the midst of our busy
lives?
In Colossians 3:15, Paul implores the Colossians to "let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one
body. And be thankful.”
First, let’s talk about peace. In Colossians here, Paul
is meaning it to be a whole, or mended, self. That’s exactly what we all
want to be, to help lead our families, right? He’s also very clearly talking to
individuals, who were all called to be at peace together.
Let's let peace
rule in our hearts, individually, so that the body (your family) can have peace
together.
Paul says to “let the peace of Christ rule…” He doesn't say to create
the peace or take hold of “the peace.” This is a passive action that comes from
knowing Christ and allowing him to minister. The Holy Spirit is the one here
today, actively giving you peace. We “let” Him. It’s your heart; you must allow
Him access.
That looks different for different people. For me, it is taking
quiet time to reflect on what is in the way and consciously telling Him (for my
benefit) that I am setting something aside and allowing His peace to reign in
me. For you, it might look different. It always includes making a decision to
set whatever is going on aside, though.
Paul also leaves a clue at the end of the verse for us.
“And be thankful” is there for a reason. Have you ever known someone who
seemed truly at peace in their life and with their family who wasn’t thankful?
That’s rhetorical, because the answer is no.
To be whole, and to have peace, regardless of the situation, you must be thankful.
Be thankful for kids to take to
soccer practice. Be thankful for good friends to have dinner with. Be thankful
for your extraordinary marriage. Without that, none of this works.
Hopefully, you can relate to this, and it is helpful. The Lord is ministering to Laura and me a lot about peace right now, and I think
that’s for a reason. Your life may not be peaceful, but it is much better to be
at peace in the midst of it.
~Howell
@G2WHubs
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