Waiting For A Quiet Life - Fresh Start for Moms

IN OUR PURSUIT OF PEACE, we usually assume that it’s found on the other side of the chaos. Once we prune the schedule, cut the commitments, and declutter the house, we can calm down. This makes sense, but I’ve never managed to get to the other side of the chaos to find out. That’s why I’m learning that peace is a mind-set rather than a result.

In the last few months, I’ve been in the thickest busy season of my life, and I’ve caught myself trying to postpone peace until my circumstances calm down. I’m discovering that peace is not a point we reach but a posture we carry.

When we see peace as a final destination, we respond in one of two ways: (1) We chalk this season up as a loss, take a backseat, and wait for peace to fall on us like a soft blanket. We are left feeling helpless, hopeless, and defeated when it doesn’t happen. (2) We spend a lifetime with our shoulders up and our muscles tense, trying to hurry, hurry, hurry in an elaborate effort to get to finally reach peace. We end up feeling burned out, impatient, and discouraged as the victory line keeps moving right when we think we are about to reach it.

Either option relies on the idea that we can’t experience peace amid chaos.

Author John Mark Comer says, “We think of peace as the absence of conflict, but God’s heart for you is shalom. Complete peace right in the middle of the chaos and noise and traffic of life.”^a Praise the Lord! Right, momma? That means we don’t need to ditch the kids to feel God’s peace. And what’s more, Comer continues, “The peace of God we are craving—gasping for—will show up in you, over you, around you, even as the winds of life are swirling around you like a tornado. It will guard you like a sentry, keeping you safe, not from suffering, but from anxiety.”^b

I have never really looked at peace like this before. I tend to see peace as the blessing that comes after I let go of anxiety, not something that helps me let go of that anxiety. I’ve seen it as the reward after the victory instead of the armor for the battle. I’ve seen it as the final destination, not the journey.

In the Lord’s grace, not only can we find peace in the toddler years or elementary years or teenage years or whatever season of upheaval we are in, but that peace will actually be what protects us. How silly that I trade his peace for the world’s definition!

There’s a blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 that reveals more of God’s view of shalom peace: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (ESV). This may just sound like a nice prayer at first until we read it in the context of when it was said. This blessing was given to the Israelites by Moses’ brother, Aaron, at a time when they were experiencing conflict with the nations all around them. I think the context here is as important as the blessing itself. Though the Israelites rarely experienced peace on the battle lines, they were able to experience peace in their hearts.

This is what God desires for all of us. I can stop waiting for peace to just show up one day, and I can start putting it on like armor for the here and now.

Right now, momma. Peace is for you right now.

So put it on. Suit up!

God never asked you to wait to experience peace in the ideal moments. He designed it to be experienced in the chaos of managing sibling squabbles and running late to appointments and whatever else you find yourself in the middle of on this very day.

ACTION STEP

Put on peace right now. It is going to take a shift in mind-set because we assume our circumstances have to change for peace to come. Reflect on the character of God and his promise for peace—and then accept it!

PRAYER

God, I want peace, but I only want your peace. I can feel my shoulders relax even as I put on your peace like armor, because I know this is what you have called me to. I have full faith that your peace will change my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MORNING QUESTIONS

TAKEAWAY TODAY | What feels like peace to you?

In the past, what have you thought had to happen for you to experience peace? How does this new definition of peace change things?

DREADING TODAY | Is there anything you’re dreading today?

REDEFINING TODAY | If so, what is another way you can view that thing you’re dreading?

ASKING GOD TODAY | What request are you bringing before the Lord today?

EVENING QUESTIONS

REFLECTION | Did you experience God’s peace in the midst of your chaos today? Take a moment to thank him for his shalom.

LITTLE VICTORIES | Where did you see God show up even in small ways, reminding you that you aren’t alone?

WHITE FLAG MOMENTS | When did you want to hide or escape today?

MEMORY OF THE DAY | What do you want to relish and thank God for?