Daily Devotional

This verse comes in the middle of a passage, verse 12–17, describing the character of the “new person in Christ.” I would encourage you to read the whole passage as a reminder of what our life should look like as a believer. But in this time of uncertainty, inflation, war in Ukraine, and political posturing we are called to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.

During these uncertain times, we who believe have certainty in Christ, a peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Are you focusing on Christ and His promises that are never failing, or are you choosing to focus on the chaos in the world around you?

The last part of this verse I think is especially important during these times. We are called to be thankful. That is a hard thing to do when our situation seems to always be changing for the worse. When the economy is slipping, when we lose a job or a loved one, or when our health falters. It is easy to grumble, to be bitter and angry. But yet in the good times and the bad, in the easy times and the hard times, we are called to be thankful.

How is God’s peace manifesting itself in your life these days? Can you choose to be thankful instead of bitter and grumbling about everything that is wrong? Let me challenge you with the words from the end of the passage in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.