Let the peace of God, to which also you are called in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.

— Colossians 3:15

A young lady told me that all her life at Christmas time she always felt very sad, because no matter whether she was in the church or out, she always felt she was standing outside the candy store looking through the window. Now that she knows Christ, however, she said, she is on the inside, and her heart is filled with joy.

Joy is to be shared, and we need to keep busy helping others, praying for others, witnessing to others, and sharing our joy. Joy is increased by sharing. The more we give to other people as we encourage and uplift them, the more our joy is increased. The result: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). It is true joy which leads to peace, and the two are closely linked to each other.

The term used here for “protect” is an interesting one. It is a military term. Paul brings the idea of peacefulness, serenity, into close accompaniment to a military term. The word means “to garrison, to set up as a fortress, to guard with armed soldiers.” The peace of God will “garrison” our hearts from all of the buffetings of this life, if we will do these things.

Question to ponder:
How does the peace of God rule in the human heart?