-November 25, 2025-
Good morning beloved, happy Tuesday,
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
(Colossians 3:15).
Paul wrote about thanksgiving and even more he practiced it. He was truly thankful each day. You look at his life, filled with trials and troubles; imprisonments and shipwrecks; rejections and persecutions; and you might ask him, “Paul how could you be thankful in all these circumstances?”
Paul had a deep sense of his own utter unworthiness and of Christ’s glorious worthiness. He was always thankful for his salvation and how the Lord forgave him and changed his life.
Paul is telling his readers that one of the best ways to be thankful is to, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” When we let peace rule in our hearts, we can be thankful for what He what He has done for us, is doing for us, and will do for us.
The word rule in the Greek in today’s verse is barbeno, meaning “to umpire.” It is the only time it is used in NT. Normally when we speak of rulers we think of kings, prime ministers, or presidents; but here Paul speaks more in sports terms. We are all familiar with umpires and referees.
Owners, coaches, players, and fans don’t control the games, the officials do. In the same way, our feelings and circumstances shouldn’t control us—God’s peace should, helping us be thankful.
As Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching, may the peace of God rule in our hearts so that we will be thankful. Have a blessed day of peace and thanksgiving. Stay safe and healthy.
The Lord Jesus makes the final call and it can never be overturned, nor should it be.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 