Peace

I'm not Jewish but I can definitely appreciate the word Shalom, which is the Hebrew word for "Peace."  This was something our pastor talked about last Sunday during church.  He described how we can't have peace without Jesus Christ.  I can't tell you the times I've tried to find peace, compassion or understanding without putting God into the equation.  Without going to prayer and asking for his guidance has left me making choices that I thought was right but left me feeling without peace in the end.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:7

I am currently in the season of raising young children, and if you're a parent you know that most times parenting can bring on many challenges and frustration.  My 12 year old son has developed quite an attitude and needs constant reminders of the proper tone to use while speaking or how teasing his sister isn't nice.  My 8 year old daughter is always whining and fussing about something.  I immediately want to go into monster mom mode and start raising my voice whenever those two act up.  I've learned that yelling solves nothing and only shows them that it's okay to respond that way.  It also leaves me feeling agitated and stressed.  Telling the kids to "knock it off" or threatening to punish them, or following through with a punishment if their behavior doesn't change, seems to be a reoccurance in this house.  Children need to understand that poor behavior is unacceptable and they need to have consequences.  However, I need to strive to handle it with peace and that means prayerfully seeking God's wisdom.

We are now in the holiday season, which can be chaotic and stressful.  If you're like me, you wait until the last minute to get the shopping done.  On the day before Christmas Eve I had rushed to a few stores to get the last of what I needed.  I kept a conversation with God going in my head as I was stopped in traffic or standing in a long check out line.  I actually felt good about it.  I was thankful that I managed to get enough done before the holiday and felt thankful that another Christmas was here.  This is a holiday that celebrates the birth of our Savior and that should be a joyous occasion.  Christmas is also a time we spend with family.  This can be fun as we catch up on lost time and exchange gifts, but it can also be a bit frustrating as well.  There's always a chance that an argument will stir up and the talk of politics seems to be inevitable.  One comment was anyone who reelected our governor is "stupid."  Peace left my heart the moment I heard those words and frustration set it.  Personally, I don't agree with our governor but calling those who voted for him stupid seems so ungodly and unbiblical.  Coming from someone who had preached the Gospel just hours before (not my pastor) seemed to make it that much disturbing.   Of course, it went on in my family too.  Sitting around the table everyone gave their opinion of the president, for or against.  It's hard to find peace when talking about politics.  With everything going on in our country and in the world I find peace in knowing that no matter what is happening or will happen God is in control and already has a plan worked out. That doesn't mean we shouldn't take action or try to help, but no matter what we do, God already knows what the outcome will be.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." -- John 14:27