Anger, fear, and worry rule our days as election season peaks. Just 20 days to go and tensions are heating up. Many people have their noses out of joint and there’s no shortage of hostility and hysterics. How can we as Christians “bring our A game” in these uncertain times? How should we act and respond? We are to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15).
The peace of Christ is the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding. It is supposed to guard our hearts and minds. The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom” and it means God’s rest, wholeness, and wellness. It is calm and collected in times of calamity and chaos. It is Jesus on the cross, who did not panic or fear, but had perfect peace, praying for forgiveness of His enemies and trusting the Lord, “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” Jesus Himself gave us His own peace, as He 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 hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” God’s peace is a gift of the Spirit. His peace is His to give to you in these days of anger, worry, and fear.
This peace can rule in your heart. To rule is to “sit as umpire.” If anger and worry rule your heart, you will miss out on your prize, but if the peace of Christ is the umpire ruling in your heart, your reward is sure. The umpire will call, “Foul!” on anger, worry, fear, and unrest. Do not succumb to these feelings, but let Christ’s peace decide everything. Surrender today to the lordship of Christ and to the peace that accompanies it. Permit God’s peace to guide and control your entire being. This is His command.
We need to be peaceful and calm in the midst of turmoil, hate, and anger. Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth. Nothing is spinning out of control. There will be no surprises to God on November 3. His plan and purposes will not be shaken. We can have peace and rest on social media. We can have peace and rest if the other guy wins. “God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves,” said AW Tozer.