What are you searching for? What is it you yearn for more than anything? Can you put your finger on it? Do you know what it is you long for down deep within your heart? Do you know where you can find it?
All of us are longing for something. We run off in search of it every day. We set goals, both long-term and short-term. We pursue them in step-by-step fashion. In our pursuit, we often step on others and leave them behind. Yet do we really know what it is we long for?
I suspect the vast majority of us don’t really know what our deep desire is. We will say we are looking for a companion, a better job, a new house, a new car, friendships, or even a church where we feel we belong. Much like a disease, these are just symptoms of what we yearn for in our heart of hearts.
What we really want is peace. We look at these other things as a means to gain the peace we desire. We have the false impression that we will be satisfied with “things,” which will grant us the peace we want. Acquiring them will satisfy us for a short time, but our satisfaction will fade, and we will start searching again.
There is only one person who can grant us the peace we desire—Jesus Christ. We have heard this before and we have been led astray before. We hear it said, “Just turn your life over to Jesus and you will find peace.” Though that statement is true, it is not simple. We are often led to believe it is as simple as saying, “I believe in Jesus.” It is more than making a four-word statement.
Notice the beginning of our passage today. We must allow Christ to rule our hearts to gain the peace we desire. That means we must give up being in control of our hearts. We must give up seeking all of those “things” ahead of Him. We must allow Christ to be our guide. Sure, we can go get those “things,” but only if that is where Christ is leading us. Otherwise, we continue to chase after the peace we desire while only gaining temporary satisfaction.
I pray we all allow Christ to rule our hearts. I pray we gain the peace we desire. I pray each one of us give thanks to God for the peace we receive through Christ. Allow Jesus to rule your heart. Give yourself up for Him. Gain the peace you desire. Be thankful to God.
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.
Marty Pressey 