“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Some days peace can be a little bit hard to come by. Things start to pile up and there is just no time to get it all done. Maybe you’re alone and taking on the full load all by yourself. Or what if something unexpected happens & takes you away from the agenda you worked hard to orchestrate. Whatever it might be Paul’s reminder in Colossians 3:15 speaks the truth: “Let the peace of Christ rule.” So the question is — how do you do that when you don’t see or feel peace?

The word let is powerful. It means peace is already available — we just have to allow it to be a choice & invite it in. Let go when your flesh wants to pick fighting back & irritation, judgment, complaining, gossiping, crying, rebelling, bing scrolling, eating, insert anything that gives you a temporary high & feels good for the moment. Stop, sit down & do the inviting. Say “Jesus, You’re welcome here—even in the middle of my mess—please help me find & feel your peace.” God never forces His peace on us. He makes it a choice. Start listening for the steady whisper in your heart from the Holy Spirit that makes it ok to stop & let go of the pressure filled mess.

When Christ’s peace “rules” our hearts, it doesn’t mean life is suddenly perfect. It means He’s the umpire, calling what’s in or out, helping us know when to rest, when to move, and when to breathe. His peace doesn’t just quiet the noise — it guides our steps. It keeps us from reacting out of fear, from saying things we’ll regret, or from letting emotions set the pace.

An equally important part that Paul adds in the verse is: “Be thankful.”

Gratitude and peace are best friends. When we pause long enough to thank God for things — like your family, the sunshine, the text that made you smile, flowers, a yummy meal, the silly thing your dog did, our hearts often begin to soften. Worry loses its grip. Gratitude clears space for peace to settle in.

Make those moments or margins throughout your day. Stop between things you are doing, even if it’s just 2 minutes. Turn your phone on mute or turn it off. Take a pause & breathe deeply and say in your heart “thank you God, thank you Holy Spirit that I can be your vessel, help me do Your will right now with Your peace—Jesus please be the lead.” Have a living and active relationship with Him in everything you are doing all day, everyday. Remember, peace begins with an intentional decision to seek Jesus & His will & also it's where gratitude takes root — and that’s exactly where you’ll find Him waiting for you with His loving arms wide open.