Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being so wonderful to all of us. Your Word declares that even when we are not faithful to You, You are forever faithful to us. You allow the sun to shine every day. You planted the moon and stars far above, and You send the rain when we need it. You have given us life evermore through Your precious Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of the work that You’ve completed through him, we are alive and able to give You the praise, glory, and honor today. Thank You merciful Father for all You’ve done. Please forgive us for our sins and help us to be better for Your Kingdom.
Father, we’re living in a time where some people seem to be way past losing their minds. The things that are being said, depicted, and expressed through the media and airways must be shocking to even the devil. These lies and negativity are outrageous. They are very dark, destructive, and downright dangerous. Please help us, Dear Father, because we need to be extremely wise. We need Your insight and discernment more than ever, so we are not easily tricked like so many believers are today.
Not only are many of us buying into the negativity, but we are being unkind, rude, and very mean to one another. You tell us in Ephesians 4:31-32(NLT), “31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This isn’t a suggestion, it is a commandment from You, and it tells us how to imitate Your nature so that we can be blessed.
Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:38-39(ESV), 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Some people can’t imagine ever doing as our Lord and Savior commanded in this passage, but he knows best and he always did Your Will. You don’t want our hearts to become hardened by the world, instead, You have commanded us to be children of light.
As believers, there are times when we have to deal with people that are against You and against Your Will and Word. They have hearts that are far from You, and we can’t kid ourselves; there are more of them than there are of us. Yet, You tell us that we can make a tremendous difference if we take a stand for Jesus. It is sometimes hard, Dear Father, to turn the other cheek and not respond to people’s nastiness harshly, but we are required to be peacemakers and to do as Christ commands in Matthew 5:38-39 because this shows our faith and love for You.
Colossians 3:15(ESV) says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” In this verse, You have given us a strategy to use in heated situations. We are to let the peace of Christ rule. This is a choice, and You have equipped us to make it. Our emotions can’t be in a position of leadership. We are called by You to be ambassadors for Christ and to represent him in this dark world. We have the great privilege to share Your love in the face of adversities and obstacles. So, instead of being angry, upset, disappointed, and negative, we can choose to be thankful, and by doing this, we please You and demonstrate that we belong to You.
Please help us to always remember Your instruction in Romans 12:2 which tells us not to mirror the behaviors and customs of this world. We must keep the Word deeply in our hearts so we will never forget it. Please, Heavenly Father, help us remember who the real enemy is. We should not be fighting against one another, because this is a trick that will land us right in the enemy’s hands. You tell us in Ephesians 6:12(NLT), “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
The times we’re living in are perilous, and they may get worse, but You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank You for calling us to be Your people and for giving us the foundation of Jesus Christ to build our lives on. It is steady, strong, incorruptible, and impenetrable. Even though storms may rise, and strong winds may blow, we are unmovable because Christ is our Rock. He is our anchor. Thank You for blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places because of our union with Christ. We pray this prayer in his mighty name, the name that is above all other names, Jesus Christ! Amen. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Let the Peace of Christ Rule”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.