Rule

Colossians 3:15 NKJV And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

Every sport has one; although often unnoticed, their presence and impact are always felt. The umpire’s job is not to be the main focus but a constant influence on how the game is played. Communicating, guiding, ensuring consistency, and always having the final word.

Colossians 3:15 says the peace of God is to rule in our hearts. The Greek word for “rule” is brabeuō, literally meaning to act as an umpire or referee. In other words, God’s peace is meant to preside over our hearts, guiding our thoughts and actions—making judgments over our attitudes and emotions. When God’s peace is in charge, fear, anxiety, bitterness, and discord are called out and replaced with calm, confidence, and unity. The peace that comes from God is to be involved in every play of our lives, in every decision.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” The kind of peace the world gives is temporary, fleeting, and completely based on actions or circumstances. But God’s peace is a covenant peace, a permanent gift that is neither earned nor deserved. In Ezekiel 37:26, God promises, “I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant.” Isaiah 54:10 promises, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” The covenant of peace is the expression of God’s desire to redeem and restore a right relationship with man. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), the fulfillment of God’s covenant of peace. An everlasting peace not based on our performance but on His faithfulness and promises.

In Mark 4, the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a great storm came up, threatening the boat and their lives. Jesus was sleeping soundly when the fearful disciples awakened him, accusing him of not caring. Jesus’ response was to stand and rebuke the storm’s wind and waves by proclaiming, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). Immediately the storm was silenced, and there was great calm. Jesus was refereeing the battle, enforcing the boundary between the disciples’ fear and God’s peace. A heart at peace in the midst of chaos is a living witness to the transforming power of Christ, demonstrating that our hope is not in circumstances but in a faithful and loving God. In the midst of chaos, the peace of God sets the boundaries around us.

Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The answer is always surrender, allowing God’s peace to guard our heart and mind. Letting God’s peace rule means giving Him the final word in every situation: active surrender that governs emotions and guides all decisions.

Even with the best intentions, there are seasons when peace feels elusive. Grief, relational struggles, or financial uncertainty can leave us feeling overwhelmed. In such times, it is important to remember that the peace of God is not just a feeling but a reality rooted in Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Psalms are full of honest prayers from people who struggled to find peace. God is not intimidated by our struggles; He invites us to bring them to Him. Let His peace rule your heart…..PLAY BALL!

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalms 29:11 NIV The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Romans 5:1-2 NIV Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

John 16:33 NIV I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Romans 14:17 NIV For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:13-14 NLT But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us.

Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Timothy 1:7 TPT For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.

Romans 8:5-6 NIV Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Psalms 112:6-8 NIV Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

Isaiah 54:13-14 TPT All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. You will be established in righteousness. Oppression—be far from you! Fear—be far from you! Yes, terror will not come near you, nor will you be afraid.

Acts 10:36 NLT This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.