“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15-16
Is this a command? Is this something that can happen any time? Don’t we always need the Lord’s peace? Don’t we always need his Word? The Holy Spirit says: “Let it be. Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Let it be.”
There must be a part we play, but the comfort I get in peace-less times or word-less moments is the thought of God’s power. “Let there be light.” He spoke the Word and out of darkness burst light. He can do the same thing in our troubled times. No matter how great the storm; no matter how dark the cloud… He who is Peace can bring peace to our hearts. So what is my part? Paul succinctly wrote: “Let it happen.” Maybe it means I stop activity. Maybe it means I remember He is present. Maybe it means I look up with the simple faith of a child. If there were a list of steps to take, surely God would have given one, but rather He gently whispers: “Let it be.”
I have a good friend going through an intense trial at this very moment. He has no control whatsoever. Prayers have been offered for months; friends have encouraged him constantly, but the circumstance has not gotten easier. This friend is a strong man, a loving husband, and a faithful brother. I think the greatest blessing God could give him and his family is ‘peace,’ so, “Lord, let it be.”
A small group recently discussed the things that prevent young people (and old people) from drawing close to God and from keeping properly focused on priorities. Distractions are more numerous than ever. We are all too busy and far too often we are chasing the wrong goals. What can we do? “Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you…” That’s a great answer! We have little power over all the craziness in our society, but the Word of Christ can make a difference! Is this not what Jesus brought to earth? We argue: “That was the Messiah! I’m not Christ!” But Christ lives in us! His Word is present. His Spirit lives in our hearts and He can give us what to say. God states: “Let it be!”
On a final exam this past week, I asked two of my classes to share what good they received from Bible class this semester. It is a risky question because a person could honestly say, “Nothing.” In fact, I expected such an answer from one of my students. He was probably my most difficult challenge of the semester. Early in the school year he made a ‘smart’ comment and I came close to kicking him out of class. I’m glad I chose a more merciful option because evidently this young man paid more attention than I thought. His response to my question brought tears to my eyes as I realized the uncanny power of the Word of Christ.
“Coach Davis, your stories are what are the best. No matter what I was ever doing in class, I would always listen to your stories. Your wisdom and eventful life just blows me away. I feel that whatever brings you down, you face that problem head on, because you truly love God. Just getting to know you and understand your wisdom and stories were some of my favorite things about this year. I believe through Jesus I am better. Thank you.”
“Let it be.”