faith and family | March 2017

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

My youngest daughter has just started walking and it seems that I have quickly turned from mom to police. I spend a lot of time in my home trying to make peace. I try to create peace between siblings, peace between mom and child, peace during play dates, peace in cleaning up my home. The tasks seem endless. As seen with each of the fruits of the spirit, as we dig deep to conjure up peace or goodness or gentleness or patience, we often find the well running dry. Making peace becomes more tyrannical as we reach the limit of our own energy and self. This is when we must remember that we have access to God, who is the embodiment of peace and patience and goodness. We have the ability to pray for the peace of Christ, which transcends our circumstances, the fights, the mess, the discipline and the daily grind. God is the fullness of peace. He is able to provide peace that seems other-worldly. This peace, as seen in the verse above, is given to us through a relationship with Jesus and accessed through prayer and thankfulness. I pray often for access to that peace (many times a day actually). This peace will guard your hearts and minds against frustration. I would encourage us this month to pray daily for the access to God’s perfect peace. Pray as a family and continue to recite the things you are thankful for each morning and watch how that thankfulness adds peace to your home. 
Grace Brown, Faith and Family Coordinator