When Peace Has to Be Protected

Read

Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Think

There’s a kind of peace that shows up easily—when the house is quiet, the to-do list is done, and your relationships feel steady. But there’s another kind of peace that has to be guarded. Fought for. Protected. Because life doesn’t always give you space for stillness. Sometimes, peace has to be something you actively choose to keep.

In Colossians 3:15, Paul writes, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” That word “rule” means to act like an umpire—to call the shots, to determine what stays and what goes. In other words, the peace of Christ isn’t just a gentle presence—it’s a governing force. It’s meant to lead. To guide your reactions, your priorities, and your tone. And Paul doesn’t just suggest this—he says we’ve been called to peace.

That’s a strong word. It means peace isn’t optional for followers of Jesus. It’s part of our identity. We’re not just people who experience peace; we’re people who are shaped by it. Who protect it. Who bring it into spaces where it’s in short supply. But if we’re honest, peace doesn’t always come naturally. There are plenty of things trying to knock it out of our hearts—conflict, overcommitment, bad news, insecurity, distraction. And sometimes, the greatest threat to peace isn’t what’s happening around us—it’s what’s happening inside us. The thoughts we let spiral. The stories we replay. The fear we allow to linger. Peace has to be guarded not just from noise but from narratives. Letting peace rule means we stop giving power to every emotion or external pressure. It means we stop letting chaos write the script. It means that when a moment of tension or anxiety shows up, we ask, “What would peace do here?” Not passivity. Not avoidance. But a Spirit-led, anchored, wise response.

Sometimes protecting peace means walking away from gossip. Sometimes it means choosing not to over-schedule your life. Sometimes it means having a hard conversation that clears the air instead of letting bitterness fester. And sometimes, protecting peace means saying “no” to something that looks good but will cost your soul more than it’s worth. The second half of this verse says, “And be thankful.” That’s not a random addition—it’s part of the peace process. Gratitude grounds you. It re-centers your mind when it starts to drift toward fear or frustration. When you’re thankful, even for simple things, your heart opens to peace again. You remember that God is near. That he’s provided before. That he’s not done.

Peace is not something you stumble into. It’s something you protect by deciding what gets access to your mind and your emotions. And when you let the peace of Christ rule, your life begins to reflect a different kind of rhythm. Slower. Softer. Stronger. You don’t react out of fear. You respond out of faith. And that kind of life stands out—not just for its calm, but for its depth. If peace has felt far this week, don’t beat yourself up. Ask God to help you guard it better. Let his Spirit highlight what’s been crowding it out. You may not be able to control every situation, but you can choose what you let rule in your heart.

Apply

What’s one recurring thought, commitment, or habit that’s been stealing your peace lately? Call it out. Then make one change today to protect your peace—whether that means taking a break, setting a boundary, saying no, or turning something off. Let that decision become part of your worship.

Pray

Jesus, I want your peace to rule in my heart. Not stress. Not fear. Not noise. Teach me how to guard what you’ve given me. Help me recognize what’s been taking up too much space in my thoughts and give me the courage to let it go. Lead me with your peace today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.