Play Eat Grow: Grow: The Fruit of the Spirit is...Peace

When I think of peace, I think of three totally different things.
- I think of hippies (peace sign, dude)
- I think of quiet
- I think of freedom from worry

Now I don't know much about what the Bible has to say about world peace, but I do know that the other two definitions are well talked about in God's word.

1. Peace as in Quiet

God encourages us to "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).

It's important for us as parents, and just as followers of Jesus, that we take the time to be still in the presence of the Lord. God often talks through a quiet whisper, so how can we hear it if we are always so loud?

And it's important that we model this stillness in front of our children. How awful would it be for, at the end of your life, your children to be surprised that you daily spent time in the Word and in prayer? Don't make that your story.

Take the time now, even if it's only five minutes, to show your kids that you are spending time with God. Make a sanctuary. It can just be a chair with a verse posted above it. But when you sit in it, you are spending time with God. And your kids will eventually get it and respect it. Just persevere.

2. Peace as in Freedom from Worry

The Bible tells us over and over again not to worry. (See the memory verses for some great examples.)

For the longest time, I have be afraid of lightning. I blame Rescue 911 (the tv show) and my sister for letting me watch it. And I am particularly afraid of it at night. When I was younger, when I would wake up and see lightning, I would run to the safety of my parents room. But eventually I reached an age when I thought this was no longer appropriate. I mean, I was supposed to be growing up. So I would huddle in my room as far away from the windows as possible and frantically repeat over and over a song from the verse Psalm 4:8 until I fell asleep:

In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, Lord,

make me dwell in safety.

Doesn't it seem like worry always hits when it's time to sleep? That's no coincidence. That's a clever plan of the evil one. So we must combat it.

Here are some of my best strategies:

- Memorize Scripture: Reciting Scripture can serve two purposes. The words you speak are the truth and often words you need to hear and remember. And the act of repetition helps lull you to sleep, much like counting sheep but way better.

- Make a Remember List: Remind yourself of how God has come through for you personally or from stories that you have heard. Know that if He has taken care of you in the past, He will take care of you now.

- Pray: Tell God exactly how are are feeling. And if you don't have the words, pray through the words of a song. One song that is particularly moving and meaningful to me is "Keep Singing" by MercyMe. Find one the speaks to you that you can recall when you have no words of your own.