Joy: 37-Day DevotionalSample

In the book of Colossians, Paul is writing to a group of Christians that he has never met to encourage and challenge them to find comfort and peace in Jesus. He challenges them not to be taken captive by shallow philosophy rooted in earthly wisdom. He reminds them to set their minds on Christ and Him crucified, not on earthly things. He writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”. 

It is here that I am reminded of my own anxieties.

It is here that I am reminded of the ways when shallow philosophy takes me hostage.

Paul reminds us that when we grasp tightly onto who Christ is and why we need His sacrifice to save us, we will truly find peace. He reminds us that we are members of the same body of Christ and that the Peace of Christ rules in our hearts together. This motivates me to seek His Word in search of answers to the hurt and anxiety that I find when my life gets difficult. This encourages me to remember that although my relationships and responsibilities can make me feel so overwhelmingly alone, that all of us in the body of Christ are experiencing the difficulty together. This empowers me to encourage others as I find peace in Christ by sharing my life and talking about the times when I feel God’s presence. When we stay committed to this mindset, Christ can use us as we strive to fulfill the call to peace.

“And be thankful.” There are times when this earthly life will leave us feeling betrayed, isolated, and insecure. But when our peace comes from knowing that because of Christ we are going to be all right, we can stay grateful for the heaven that is coming rather than the difficulty that this life brings.

God, thank You for making a way for me to be with You in heaven. Help me focus on Your unconditional love, Your promise that my sins have been paid for, and the heaven that will be my home when I am called. It is in these truths that I find Your Peace…and I am grateful. Amen