God’s Word Dwells = Peace Rules!
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…with gratitude in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:15-16
I sat down and took a moment to chill. Just to momentarily rest, be still, ponder and reflect on the life events of the day; okay, the week; alright, the month! I grabbed my Bible and it fell open to Luke 23. I noticed that I had previously highlighted verse 46 and began reading, “Jesus called out in a loud voice, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit…'” At that moment, it was like the God’s Spirit was whispering in my ear, “Doug, commit it all to God. Entrust it to Him. He’s got this.” So, I placed both of my hands out directly in front of me with palms up and began praying. “God, into Your hands I commit this…I entrust it all to You.” I finished my prayer and turned to a section of the Psalms that I enjoy reading.
Now, I normally read my Bible by starting with chapter 1 of a particular book on to the end. But this particular moment, I varied – I turned over to Psalm 31 and began reading. It was then that Psalm 31:5 jumped off the page and grabbed my attention. It read, “Into Your hands I commit my spirit…” Anyone say, God moment? God speaking to me loud and clear! Oh yeah. That phrase is only in the Bible twice and God had just directed me to both references. Humbling. Deeply moving. So again, I placed both of my hands out directly in front of me with palms up and began praying, “God, into Your hands I commit myself. I commit this…I entrust it all to You.” I placed all of my cares, worries, anxieties, frets, burdens and uncertainties in God’s hands – committing and entrusting them to His care. Honestly, it was a moment that I will not soon forget – one that I frequently repeat in prayer with hands out and palms up. Committing life situations to God, entrusting them to Him – placing them in His hands. That’s the best place for them and for me to be; in His hands!
It’s now that Colossians 3:15-16 comes to life. God says directly to you and me as His follower, “Doug, (insert your own name here _______) let the peace of Christ rule in your heart…and be thankful. Doug, let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…with gratitude in your heart to God.” Here’s the point, the more we are in God’s Word – reading and reflecting on God’s message to us – the more we will recall words, phrases and verses that have deep and powerful meaning specifically for us from God at the right much needed moment bringing us peace when we commit and entrust it all to Him. That’s the Living Word of God ruling and dwelling in us – in our life of faith. Now that’s humbling and thrilling all at the same moment. Agreed? Oh yeah! And for that I am very thankful. Truly. No words. Speechless as to God’s love and active involvement in life.
So, right now place both of our hands out directly in front of us with palms up and begin praying, “God, into Your hands I commit myself. I commit this…I entrust it all to You.” Now, lean into and on God’s peace that dwells within! He is with us. He is for us. Know that friends. Love you. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Committing to and entrusting with God. Placing it all, myself included – in His hands.
Doug Reed // Lead Pastor
