Sometimes I close my eyes and imagine my version of a peaceful home … the one where my youngest daughter is curled up on the sofa halfway through a reading book instead of one where I need to set a timer for her required thirty minutes of reading time.

Sometimes when my kids are bickering, I worry they’ll end up estranged from each other when they reach adulthood.

Sometimes when my husband is working long hours to deliver a project, I wish he could be home more often to spend more time with our girls and me.

Sometimes I worry about my kids’ mental health … and my own mental health.

Sometimes I just worry we’re doing too much.

Sometimes I worry for no good reason, and I just don’t feel peaceful.

But last week, our house guest mentioned in conversation how much she loved the energy of our home: The bantering, the laughter, the craziness, the in’n’outs of daily life. And the peacefulness. Her comments brought me to a sudden stop. It took an outsider (although she’s not really an outsider, as she’s living with us and I love her almost as much as my daughters) to remind me of what’s good rather than what’s overwhelming.

Now, admittedly, as well as the full family life, we have a lot of other hard things going on at the moment which are taking time, energy, and resources to help resolve. So, it was her comments about peacefulness that jarred me the most.

From my perspective, my home doesn’t currently seem peaceful. In that moment she defined our home that way, I realized I was using my typical definition of peace––as in quiet. Oh, how I love solitude. But, quiet is not what the peace of God is.

Yes, peace and quiet are often linked together in the bible. But they’re not synonymous. They are two very distinct concepts. I love this verse from Isaiah because it shows how they are linked:

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;

  its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

Isaiah 32:17

 

Before we can think about peace in more detail, we need to understand what the fruit of righteousness means. At the beginning of Philippians 1:11, Paul prays this way:

that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

The fruit of righteousness therefore reflects the life of Jesus that grows in, and through, us.

And it is this fruit, the fruit of having Jesus take root, grow, nurture, and nourish us which results in peace. The effect of this is quietness––the absence of mental noise which results in calm, and confidence forever.

When we hear the word quietness, it’s too easy for us to associate it with silence. Yet, peace is so much more than that. It also means having calmness in every situation. Our mind no longer races with spiraling thoughts because peace provides the knowledge and understanding that Jesus is in every moment and every second of the day. I see this calmness in the early mornings when my family still sleeps. I see this calmness when my girls are getting ready for school and the bustle that comes with that process. I see this calmness when I have a full house of people. And this peace is the antidote for when I have to deal with strife that happens as part of daily living.

Proverbs 17:1 says

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet

  than a house full of feasting, with strife.

It’s entirely possible to have a house full of feasting, laughter, joy, and debate … and for the house still to be peaceful. Peace doesn’t necessary mean silence, but it is often found in the quiet places, much to this introvert’s delight.

If you’re seeking peace today, spend time with Jesus. Whatever you are going through the peace of God, which transcends all understanding [everything our minds cannot comprehend], will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:7. The fruit of peace is yours through your relationship with Jesus Christ.

A love letter from God …

Dear lovely one,

It is my delight to grow the fruit of peace in your life. It’s a gift that is freely available to you. If you’re struggling to find peace, don’t berate yourself. Take a few moments, open your bible, and read. The book of psalms is a place where you might comfort. David really struggled to find peace. I know his words may encourage you as you seek direction and peace.

David used to pour his thoughts out as he asked for peace, clarity, and wisdom. I invite you to do the same. Sometimes as you journal, in that space that occurs between mind and getting those words on paper, you might hear me speak. That’s what used to happen for David, and it can happen for you, too.

Also, don’t be afraid to get advice from those you trust: doctors, counselors, friends, family, and pastors. I place people around you to be a source of comfort. So, be still and know that I am God. I am with you in all things. And, at this moment, the fruit of peace is growing in your life.

I see you, my beloved; I love you. And I am with you always.

Love, God.