Peace-Killer

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

God is not like a vending machine: deposit the money, select your choice, and walk away with what you want. When it doesn’t release your choice, you feel robbed. Sometimes we treat our heavenly Father as such, although not intentionally.

As you cry out to God for a particular need or something you want, it’s natural to expect to walk away with something—anything. You have obediently followed the Lord to the best of your ability, and you remembered to say, “Thank You” for His abundant blessings. But sometimes, God stays silent, and it may seem He didn’t provide. While God works out His purposes in your life, mine, and people involved in our circumstances, if we allow Him, He does deliver every time—with His peace. But a worrisome spirit is a peace-killer.

Paul writes here and in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that everything we speak and do should honor God our Father with a thankful heart. A lack of gratitude and worry over unknown or unfair matters serve only as setbacks for God’s activity in your life. But recalling His goodness, mercy, and salvation through Jesus causes one’s heart to overflowing with a devotion that sets in motion the honor due to our Maker. Today, thank God for all He has done and is currently doing; when you do, His peace is yours (Philippians 4:6, 7).