"My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."
Isaiah 32:18
To begin diving into this verse together I thought we'd break it up into a 3 different parts---the first one being, "a peaceful habitation."
Dictionary definition of "peaceful"--not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile. This makes me giggle. Yes, all three of those things I do NOT want in my home. Hostile? Doesn't that just get a little bit of a giggle out of you? Jesus, please never let my home be hostile.
I so desire my home to be a place of refuge for not only my family, but those that need a safe place to run to. So yes, peaceful is the word. So how do you get a "peaceful" home?
We all know the saying, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." In our home it's more if mama hasn't hung out with Jesus, it's not going to be pretty...or peaceful for that matter. My husband knows me well--and in his sweet kindness he knows exactly when to say "why don't I watch the baby and you go have some alone time." Yes, those blocks of time are priceless--but it's my responsibility to make sure I am daily in the Word. To wake up early. To make Jesus my priority. Before the rest of the house stirs---I have had communion with the Lord.
We had a special event at RiverStone this past weekend--our dear friend
Annie Downs came to speak and she brought her friend Ellie Holcumb to lead us in worship. Ellie said something that pierced my heart while she was explaining her courtship with her husband. When they first started dating her now husband told her that he would let her down as he is human--that she must make her relationship with Jesus the center of all--because He will not let her down. YES--a peaceful home is found when we are in the Lord's presence--and we are not expecting man to fill those deep yearnings within. In the chaos of last week I was looking for my husband to fill things that were only meant to be filled by Jesus. I've heard this before--but needed the reminder to this weary soul.
Peaceful habitation equals mama in the Word. Peaceful habitation equals constant communion in the Lord's presence. When you are in His Word, when you are resting in His presence, when you make your relationship with Him priority--peace will reign.
And on a practical side--to get up early--means going to bed early--that really is the start to a peaceful habitation.
I know none of this is a new revelation--but it's so good to be reminded of isn't it?
So on that note, good night friends. :)
Labels: 31 Days to an Isaiah 32:18 Home
