In our region, we are experiencing an unusual Fall season this year. Each morning, there’s crispness in the air, a refreshing coolness that hints at the changing season. However, as the day unfolds, by lunchtime, the warmth sets in, often transforming the atmosphere into something far more summer-like. You find yourself unsure of what to wear; one moment you’re bundled up in layers, and next, you’re peeling them off as the sun blazes. This has been the past few weeks of life for my little town.
One morning, I turned on the heat to warm up the house so I could shower. I was too hot a short time later, so I turned on the air to cool it down. I laughed as I walked down the hallway. As I laughed, I told God how thankful I was for a central heat and air unit that I could turn up and down to set the temperature in my home to keep it comfortable at all times.
That same morning, I received a phone call from someone who was quite upset. In tears they shared what had happened that morning and why they were so upset. I said, “Do you want to come by here?” Immediately they responded, “Yes!”
As I hung up the phone, I knew I needed to set a particular atmosphere to bring them into a place of peace. My house is always peaceful, but I knew we needed extra peace this day. I went into my bedroom, grabbed my iPod and carried it to the kitchen so the worship music could be softly playing yet still be heard through the whole house. I prayed about which songs to play, and I played them. I lit candles and made sure everything was in its place.
When my guests arrived, my house smelled wonderful and peaceful music was playing. I hugged my guest and said, “It’s going to be okay.” We sat and talked a bit, and I could tell she was feeling much better and it really didn’t take that long.
Later that night I was thinking about the day and how the Lord led me to do a few simple things to set the atmosphere. We set atmospheres in the same manner that we set the temperature in our homes or our vehicles. BUT it is up to us to set it and keep it set.
There are times that all my family is over here, gathered for one thing or another. Although it is a different atmosphere, a more celebratory one, it is still peaceful, if I keep my home peaceful. Filled with the peace of God.
Yet, just like with my guest, there are things in life that happen, beyond our control, that attempt to steal our peace. It is in times like that when we need to find a peaceful place to rest our minds. To rest our souls, to find peace in Him alone.
Isaiah 30:15 says, for thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
I love this scripture. A few years ago when I was dealing with Jesse’s death and then my sisters, God spoke to me one night and said, “In the stillness, you will find My strength.”
I have learned to be still before God. I have learned to rest in Him and keep my confidence in Him, even when life throws me challenges. And I have learned to keep the right atmosphere in my home. It is one of the most important things in my life – to keep His peace in my home – and I can tell you the moment it starts to leave and I will do whatever I need to do to keep His peace in my home. I must! I want it to be a place for those who are weary and beaten down to come and find rest for their souls, for their minds. My part is to endeavor to keep it that way.
If I go into a person’s house, I can tell you in a few seconds if the peace of God is there or not. I can also tell you if strife is in the house. I can tell you if chaos is in the house. Why? Because I cultivate peace in my life and in my home, always.
How is the temperature – the atmosphere in your home today? Is it peaceful? Is it a sanctuary? Is it a place that those who are weary would find rest? If not, seek God and find out why. You can keep peace in your home, it may seem impossible, but all things are possible with God. You just have to watch what you allow into your home. You have to be aware of what is taking place in your home.
Many people say they can’t have peace in their homes because of children, but I have two grandchildren in my life. They are both very active and sometimes, loud, but some of the most peace FILLED times I have in my home is when those two spent the night. It is not children that take the peace from your home – it all starts at the top – first you must cultivate the peace of God in your own life – then it will saturate your home – then it will saturate your children – then it will saturate those who come into your home.
Today I urge you to cultivate peace in your life and in your home. You are in charge of the temperature of your life and your home – make it one of peace.
Prayer for Today: Father, I ask you to cause us to cultivate peace in our lives and in our homes, from this day forward, this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
