The Peace That Rules the Heart

The word Scripture uses here is strong: let the peace of God rule, govern, umpire within you. It's as if peace were placed on the throne of your heart, in the spot where anxiety used to give the orders. Notice that it's a decision — you allow peace to rule, or you let fear keep command. And look at the company that follows right after: 'be ye thankful.' Peace and gratitude go hand in hand. It's almost impossible to be anxious and grateful at the same time, because gratitude looks at what God has already done, while fear looks at what might go wrong. When you choose to give thanks, you shift your gaze from what's missing to what you've already received, and peace finds room to reign. Anxiety has ruled your heart for too long; maybe it's time for a change of government. Today, consciously dethrone fear. Say: 'The peace of God will rule in here today, not anxiety.' And feed this new reign with gratitude — because peace reigns where the soul gives thanks.