What will influence you?

In Colossians 3:15-17, we encounter a profound invitation to experience something that eludes so many believers: genuine, daily peace. This isn't about our salvation—that's settled forever when we trust Christ. Rather, this message addresses the internal war many of us face: the anxiety that keeps us awake at night, the doubt that shadows our prayers, the fear that whispers God might not come through. The central challenge is this: something will rule our hearts. Will it be the peace of God or our own anxious thoughts? The text uses the word 'let,' which means we have a choice. We can be saved, heaven-bound, and yet rob ourselves of peace every single day. The peace of God is described as an umpire—determining what's allowed in our hearts, what aligns with God's will, and what doesn't. When circumstances overwhelm us, when betrayal cuts deep, when the doctor's news terrifies us, we face a decision: Will we let God's peace rule, or will we take control ourselves? This passage reveals that real peace comes when the Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and shows us the way, and we respond with 'Yes, Lord.' It's not about our circumstances changing—it's about who we trust to be in charge of our hearts.