The Umpire

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. (NIV)

Have you ever had one of those days when there was so much confusion whirling around your head that you felt like screaming, "STOP, SHUT UP, I can't hear myself think!"

Everyone has that kind of a day every once in a while, and when I do, I am tempted to get in the flesh and react to someone in an ugly way or to get depressed, go to bed, and forget about it all. However, I know neither choice will help solve the problems I face—or you for that matter!

Rather than throw in the towel and give way to these emotions that want to get the best of us, why not stop right now and make a decision to let the Word of God rule? When I say "rule" I'm talking about God's supernatural peace dominating and governing every emotion and situation that confronts us. If we do not make this decision and follow through with it, worry, fear, insecurity, doubt, and a whole host of other emotions will assuredly try to take control. And there is no worse rollercoaster ride than when you are being knocked all over the place by out of control emotions!

Instead, let the peace of God rule in your heart, in Colossians 3:15, Paul said, Let the peace of God rule. A friend of mine has been reminding me of late of the Holy Spirit being an umpire in her life. The word rule in this case refers to that position, umpire. An umpire is the one who calls the shots in baseball! What kind of pitch was thrown. He is the that judges the strikes, balls, and if the player is safe on base or has really made that home run or not!

Paul uses the word rule to tell us that the peace of God can work like an umpire in our hearts, minds, and emotions. When circumstances cause our emotions to flare and attempt to exert control over us or try to throw us into an emotional frenzy, we can stop it from happening by making the choice to let God's peace rise up from deep inside us like an umpire to moderate our emotions. As we do, we will be kept under the control of that divine peace as it rules in our hearts. When this divine umpire called "peace" steps into the game, it suddenly begins to call the shots and make all the decisions instead of fear, anxiety, and worry—or anger.

So let the peace of God call the shots in your life. Let the peace of God be the umpire in your life and over your actions. Let the peace of God be the umpire of your emotions and your decisions. In the midst of turmoil, we can be at peace within.

Even though it is true that everyone has had days and difficult weeks, we do not have to surrender to those emotions that try to steal our joy, disturb our relationships, and rob us of our victory. When we are feeling overwhelmed by problems that are hitting from every direction, we should just stop a moment and deliberately set our heart and mind on Jesus and the Word of God. As we do this, the wonderful, conquering, dominating, supernatural peace of God will rise up from our spirit and take control!

Our peace will rise up like a mighty umpire in our hearts, minds, and emotions. Lord let us recognize those moments when unhelpful emotions try to sneak up.

Here are some questions to ask yourself, and some interjections!

1. Do you recognize moments when your emotions try to throw you into an emotional tizzy and steal your peace and joy?
**When the contractor leaves you high and dry with a hole in the addition roof?
**When you prepare a great meal and no one shows up!
**When you are really hurting inside and no one seems to want to listen?

2. Have you asked God to help you overcome these moments?
**No, I am too busy feeling mean and rotten to ask God. Leave me alone and allow me to suffer!
**Yea but I do not know what to do!

3. What steps can you take to quiet yourself so you can focus on God's Word and allow the peace of God to rise up and be the umpire over what is going on inside your heart, mind, and emotions?
**I love music. It can create a new atmosphere for me. So there I go. How about you?
**Take a drive, go fishing, go out with a friend and laugh, get the Bible or other good book that leads you to the WORD

If you have others questions or suggestions, post them on the blog or let me know and I will post them for others to read! We can encourage each other on the road to peace of mind, letting the Holy Spirit be our guide!

Let God's Peace Serve as the Umpire For Your Mind and Emotions!