The Source of Peace for a Woman’s Heart

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In keeping with the topic of last week’s article on the story of Mary and Martha and the importance of God’s Word in our lives, I want to share with you ladies a Scripture passage I heard this week which really stood out to me. Colossians 3:15-16 says,

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

 

Though I have read this chapter countless times, I had never noticed before the direct correlation shown between the peace of God ruling in our hearts and the word of Christ dwelling in us richly. I don’t have to tell you that we live in a world today that is seriously lacking in peace. Women everywhere are stressed, worried, anxious, concerned, exhausted, overworked, fearful, overwhelmed, emotional, and on and on the list goes. I’m sure one or more of those words could well describe you in this very moment. Unfortunately, as women, our first response to these feelings or issues is oftentimes to turn and cry out to our best friend, to overindulge in the wonders of chocolate (don’t get me wrong, sister-I am a big fan of chocolate myself! 😉 ), to give way to our fears and concerns, to complain and lash out, to binge-watch our favorite show on Netflix, or to get lost in some comfort food. The problem is that not one of those reactions or sources we turn to for comfort, were ever meant to actually provide us with the peace for which our hearts long. They cannot fill the void in our lives or provide us with the lasting comfort we need. Though we, as Christians, trust Christ to provide us with eternal peace, we too often turn to anyone and anything other than Christ to provide us with the peace we long for in the here and now.

Why is this?

I believe our problem sometimes is that, though we believe and rely on the Word of God for salvation, we feel like it is not adequate to bring us help and peace in our day-to-day lives. Or perhaps we lack the self-control and self-discipline required to calmly sit down and pour over the Scriptures or to cry out to God in prayer. Perhaps we mistakenly think He isn’t really listening to us after all. We think we have to instead read the latest self-help book, or seek the advice of a friend, or else just wallow in the mire with a woe-is-me attitude.

But, friends, let us not make the mistake of forgetting that the Word carries with it the very power and teaching of Almighty God, that it is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and that it does indeed bring “great peace” to those who love it (Psalm 119:165). Psalm 29:11 says the Lord brings peace to His people, Isaiah 26:3 says we will have “perfect peace” when our minds are fixed on the Lord, Jesus tells us repeatedly that He gives us peace (John 14:27, John 16:33), 1 Corinthians 14:33 says God is a God of peace, one of Jesus’ names is Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and 2 Thessalonians 3:16 refers to the Lord as “the Lord of peace”.

If you want true, lasting, ultimate peace, dear reader, peace down deep in your heart that will see you through every trial and trouble you face, peace that is abiding and unwavering even in the midst of life’s worst difficulties, then cling to the Lord. If you want the “peace of God” to “rule in your heart”, then “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Immerse yourself daily in His Word. Talk to God about whatever you are going through (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7). Sing to and worship the Lord (note the importance of this in our Colossians passage above!). The result is that that peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. How is that for deep, unwavering peace?

 

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At a loss as to what specific passages to turn to when you are feeling exhausted or anxious or overwhelmed or burdened? Sign up for our e-mail newsletter and you will receive a free PDF printable already outlined for you with Scripture references broken down into various topics and issues we women deal with regularly. I pray it is an encouragement in your life and a great source of peace for you! God bless.

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