What is the Secret to a Peaceful Life?

Posted on February 11, 2024 by Heart of the Matter

My favorite days are those in which I feel a sense of inner peace—when my family is doing well, my relationships are good, and all seems well in my little corner of the world.  Maybe that’s also true for you. Don’t you just love those peaceful, turmoil-free moments in life? Peace is something we all desire. It’s hard to function and flourish in life without it.

So, what is the secret to a peaceful life? 

Most importantly, we must have a sense of spiritual security. We need to know that our life is in the hands of someone greater than us—namely, Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus, and accept His gift of forgiveness for our sins, we can be sure that we’ll spend eternity in heaven with Him. We no longer need to fear death, and we have Holy Spirit power for this life, as well! Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Would you like to? Follow this link to find out how: How to Become a Christian

Once we are secure in Jesus Christ, we must learn to live at peace with others. For this to happen, we need to live in a constant state of forgiveness. What do I mean by that? Well, we must always be prepared to forgive as we move through life—forgiving quickly, persistently, and joyfully—even when others offend again and again. We are to forgive, even when the offender hasn’t asked for forgiveness. Understand that a heart of unforgiveness can lead to bitterness, anger, resentment, broken relationships, and sometimes even more dire consequences, such as health issues. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to do this counter-intuitive and very difficult thing.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, in Christ, forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Next, we need to live with a sense of purpose. As believers, we inherently have an over-arching purpose—to glorify Him and to make Him known. Part of that purpose is to serve and to love others in His name. Have you found a place to volunteer or to use your gifts and talents in your church or community? You are uniquely gifted to do so. If you are not currently serving, ask your pastor or a Christian friend for ideas. Remember, if you are in the mommy phase of life, there is no greater purpose than raising your children to know and love Christ. Don’t be ashamed of giving yourself fully to that endeavor.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 

In addition, if we are to live a peaceful life, we must give our worries and concerns to God. He cares. He wants us to come to Him in prayer. He doesn’t want us to carry the burden of worry. His Word says so. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t been able to pour my heart out to the Lord over the burdens and heartaches I’ve had in my life—burdens about family, health, regret or world events. Peace and worry cannot coexist.

“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”               Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Lastly, we can only have peace when we can successfully live above and beyond the turmoil of this life—that includes, natural disasters, world events, the political climate, and the ever-eroding culture. As believers, we certainly want to make an impact where we can—voting, volunteering, signing petitions, possibly even marching for a cause if God so leads. But, to have peace, we must realize several things: This world is not our home (heaven is), God is ultimately in control, my life and my children’s lives are in His hands, God wins in the end.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

“And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.” Psalm 125:2 (NKJV)

My prayer for you is that you will abide in the beautiful, life-changing peace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope this post has given you something to think about and maybe some areas on which to focus. 

As Jesus said to the disciples after His resurrection, before He returned to heaven:

“Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)

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Four Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

Four Tips for a More Peaceful Holiday Season

Each year as the holiday season approaches, many of us feel a slow and subtle rise in our stress level. The fall months are often filled with frantic shopping, decorating, attending various holiday programs and visits with extended family. It can be overwhelming and can inhibit our full enjoyment of the actual holiday. 

When we are stressed, we forget to make the most of our family time and we neglect to focus on the true and deeper meaning of the holidays we so frantically prepare for. Here are four tips for a more peaceful holiday season.

  • Don’t over shop. When we start shopping for Christmas presents, we often fall victim to the snowball effect. We start with a few gifts then buy more and more just to make sure we have enough presents for everybody. Then we see things on sale and grab those, too, thinking we’ve made a smart purchase. This year, buy just one or two special gifts for each person—something you know they want or need. Resist thinking that the more presents you buy them, the more love they will feel. A thoughtful gift means much more. Remember, overspending always creates stress.
  • The holidays are not the time to rehash old hurts, long-standing quarrels or deep-seated resentments you have with family members. Instead, resolve to look for the best in people this year and to appreciate the unique place they hold in your family. Enjoy your time with them and reminisce on your shared history. Remember the old adage to “not talk politics or religion” if you know there is an unbreachable divide in those areas. Spend time before the holidays asking God for the strength to forgive old hurts and to let things go. He will do it.
  • Take your decorating down a notch. Resist shopping for more décor items. Do you really need another garland or collectable Santa? We so want our home to look like the cover of Southern Living Magazine at Christmas time; but is a perfectly decorated home what your family will most remember? Or will they remember the hugs, the stories, the games, the football watching and the laughter? You will probably be the only one who notices your perfectly staged living room. The same goes for the food. Don’t be a perfectionist. Most of the time, people don’t care if your food is perfectly presented, as long as they can fill their bellies and then take a nap. 
  • Find a way to bring in the true meaning of the holiday, whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas. In our family at Thanksgiving, we often go around the table and share what we are most thankful for. Or maybe a scripture passage related to thankfulness or gratitude could be read by someone. At Christmas time, be sure to celebrate its true meaning—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would have no hope and no future. Read the Christmas story out of the Bible, allow the little ones to dress up (go to the linen closet for costumes) and reenact the manger scene as it is read. Read from a Christmas devotional. Bringing meaning into your Christmas celebration will bring you peace and the knowledge that you are passing on the baton of faith to the next generation.

I hope these tips will help you to have a more peaceful and meaningful holiday season this year. What are some other ways you have found to make your holidays less stressful? I would love to hear them. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

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Perfection: A Hopeless Cause

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

Lord, why can’t I live one single day in a way that’s perfectly right? I always say something I shouldn’t have said, do something I shouldn’t have done, or neglect to do something I needed to do. I mean, if only I could live a day in which I am selfless enough, patient enough, kind and thoughtful and disciplined enough. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Some days I make it until lunchtime before I make a fatal mistake (sin) that I regret, but most days, I can’t make it that long. If only I didn’t have to live on planet Earth with actual people—I think I might be almost perfect!

I’m kidding, of course. Even if I lived on a deserted island with only the monkeys and crabs as companions, I would still sin. It’s a part of my DNA—a stone-like burden we all carry since the fall of man (that darn Adam…we all know he would have eaten the apple even if Eve hadn’t enticed him). How could I possibly sin if I were on a deserted island all alone? That’s easy. Sin begins in the mind, where even our thoughts can be sinful. The motives of our heart and even our unspoken desires can be sinful, as well. Every sin doesn’t come to fruition.  Continue reading →

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Bringing God Glory Right Where You Are

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

 

Have you ever wondered why God has you in a particular job, physical locale, phase of life, or family situation? Have you ever felt unsatisfied with life—that you should be doing more for God—maybe something more meaningful, productive or exciting? Many of us have these thoughts—especially if we are feeling unappreciated or ineffective in our current situation. Maybe we believe we should be someplace where we can make more of an impact or be more useful to God.

As moms we are prone to this at two particular points in life. First, when we are being pulled in all directions with little ones under foot, spending all our time wiping noses and picking up Legos. Secondly, when our babies are gone, having married or moved out, and we find ourselves searching for meaning outside of motherhood.

But, what if God doesn’t need our usefulness? What if his desire for us is for something even greater? Continue reading →

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Christianity and Politics: What’s a Voter to Do?

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

 

As Christians, we are called to be a light and a force for good—a reflection of Christ to the world. To do so, we must know what the Word of God says, and do our best to promote and live its message, in every arena—politics included.

I recently enjoyed a conversation with an accomplished college-aged nephew of mine regarding the current political climate in our country. It was a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation. Later that night, it occurred to me we had neglected to consider things from a spiritual perspective. We should have started the conversation with a “big picture” question like: What does God want for the world? What issues matter to Him? Is there a right way for me to vote as a Christian? I wondered, could we know the answers to these questions? And how would our answers impact our political decisions?

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of Christ to the world. That means we must know what the Word of God says and do our best to promote and live its message—in every arena.

The Bible is clear on these things:

  • God wants Christians to stand on, and for, the truths found in His Word.
  • God wants us to love one another—people of every nation, race, and creed.
  • God wants all people of the world to be reconciled to Him through salvation in Jesus Christ.

Standing firm on biblical truth, loving our fellow man and spreading the gospel message, are themes found repeatedly throughout the Bible. But what does biblical truth have to do with politics? Continue reading →

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