The Gift of Shalom

There are some things we don’t bounce back from quickly. Sometimes, life wounds us deeply.

When we experience a stressful event, we want resiliency and a quick return to a functioning family, but sometimes it’s impossible. Sometimes, recovery is a long, slow journey. And usually, we desire to be more than just “functioning.” We long for a wholeness, a deep sense of peace—the kind of peace only the Lord gives. A kind of peace that anchors the soul no matter the storm.

We want to be more than just resilient. We want to grow beyond what we were before the hardships. We want to be restored in health—emotionally, relationally, spiritually. We need the peace Jesus gives.

I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.

John 14:27 (CEV)

How do we get this peace? We ask for it. We choose it. We allow it in, and we fight off its enemies. We hold to Jesus—the one who offers it. We drown ourselves in his presence so he can overwhelm what is overwhelming us.

Christ’s peace can be the center of your family, the magnet that draws you all to health, the glue that holds you together. To choose it, we have to believe Christ’s words and rely on the power of his peace when things arise to rattle us. We have to hear his voice by studying the Bible and listening to the Spirit’s whispers instead of the loud shouts of fear. We have to keep our focus on Christ, and we can do that by remembering all he has done for us and being thankful for it all.

We can also help our children accept this gift. We can teach them to pay attention to their thoughts and dismiss the ones that do not reflect the truth of God’s Word. We can encourage them to memorize verses and remind each other of God’s words when upsetting situations arise. We can pray with them, asking the Holy Spirit to give this peace that makes no worldly sense. And we can daily recount the things for which we’re thankful.

When the Bible speaks of peace using the Hebrew word shalom, it means a deep sense of well-being, of all being right in the spirit with God. It’s a restoration of the soul to peace with God and man.

Peace is a free gift from the heart of Jesus Christ for our family. And it’s so much better than the world’s idea of peace.

PRAY

Lord, we need your peace. Nothing on earth is like it or can replace it. We long to have our spirits settled in you. Please show us the way. Thank you for all you have done and will do for us. We love you. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What makes you afraid? What can we do when we’re worried or scared?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 26:3

Philippians 4:7