Our Hope: Comforts of Home

‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.’  Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

One of the reasons that Jesus’ presence in our lives is so important is because of His gift of peace.  There is nothing like it.  There is no pill, no gadget, no loved one’s promise, that can come close to duplicating the peace that is His, and His alone.

That He chooses to share that peace with us is in and of itself a miracle, a blessing, a life-sustaining force.  For our lives, from the moment of birth to the last breath, are full of trials, miseries, heartaches, and grief.  To get through all of this unscathed, we need the hope, the comfort, and the peace of our Lord and Savior.

This peace is found in many different ways, and in many different locations.  But one of the most effective places to enjoy His perfect peace is in our very own homes.  There is something soothing in just being home, where we are surrounded by loved ones, our familiar possessions, and the comforts that are established in a Christian home.

It is not about the grandeur of a wealthy residence, and it is not about the simplicity of the poorest household.  It is about the people within, the atmosphere, and the presence of God.  If these things are established with God as the center, then any home, regardless of stature, of wealth or the lack of it, becomes an abode that rings with the peace of Jesus, the hope of the future, and the blessings of a loving family.

I have known both sides of this spectrum.  I have been in homes where God was not present, was not spoken of, was not the center.  Discontent and anger often ruled the day.  I was always uncomfortable being in their homes.  But I have been in other homes where God was present, and enjoyed great fellowship and joy.  And felt welcome.  And at peace. The peace of Jesus is plentiful in the homes of God’s people.

My home is a home of peace.  I feel relief wash over me once I am inside and settled.  The worries, fears, and anxieties of the day slip away, and satisfaction and contentment take their place.  I am able to focus on family, and on Jesus, without interruption, without concern.  I feel comfortable surrounded by my people, and my possessions.  I can literally sense the presence of God now that the cares of the world are far away.

Jesus came to bring us peace.  He is Our Hope, and the hope He brings is perfect.  His hope sits on the foundation of peace, of  wisdom, of His perfection.  As He covers all our cares with peace, the comforts of home are evidence of that very same peace, comfort, and hope, that He gives to us freely.  Every single day.  Make your home a place of peace, with Jesus as the source, and see your hope mirrored in the comforts of home.

‘Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ‘ John 14:27 (NIV)