“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” 
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

The Greek word that Paul uses for peace is eirēnē. It means a state of tranquility, rest, safety and security. When I read that definition I cannot help but chuckle. With a three year old (who often acts like a hormonal teenage girl… no offense to teenage girls, but I was one), a one year old, and a husband who is gone for nine months, life feels anything but tranquil. However, that’s not the point of this word. It does not say my circumstances are tranquil and safe, it says my state of being is such. (Dear God, point taken.) Despite life’s circumstances, if I am trusting in God, walking hand in hand with Him, and allowing Him to lead me by His will, I can remain in a state of tranquility and rest in spite of the craziness around me.

I am a firm believer that making the time to spend quiet time daily with God is essential to helping us stay rooted in the security and rest He offers through the power of His Holy Spirit. I know there will be times in life when it is not possible to do so, but for the majority of us, it is. Taking that time with God is our lifeline as “branches” to stay rooted to the “Vine,” (John 15). If you’re not already doing so, I encourage you to challenge yourself over the next month (and then hopefully beyond!) to spend one on one time with God. It may be for fifteen minutes, it may be you’re in a season where you can make time for an hour, whatever it is, I guarantee it will make a difference. And if you do not know where to begin just Google “Bible devotional plans”… it’ll give you plenty of places to start!

God bless!

Noree Wegmeyer

Photo Credit:   https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-child-reading-holy-bible-935944/