We’ve all been in our homes plenty these past weeks! And this can wear on us. Our family has had our share of emotions, irritation, and need to forgive each other.

I’ve been reading Isaiah, and a few verses I hadn’t noticed before caught my heart. They have became my prayer for our home:

“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.”

“The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill [our home] with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is [our] treasure.”

“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”

Isaiah 32:2, 33:5-6, 32:17-18 ESV, brackets are my adaptation

When we turn to God, He is our source for living out love – our source for help, inspiration, and energy to love the people in our home through this time.

The Bible is full of wisdom and God-honoring ways that we can live our faith in our homes in ways that invite His blessing.

Here’s a few practical things we try to live this out in our home:

• We each take time to connect with Jesus, reading our Bible and praying. In the past, we’ve given the girls their own Bibles, and we encourage them to have their own habit of quiet times. We each need daily spiritual encouragement to fill us up.
• We give grace! There are lots of opportunities to get irritated or feel hurt at some small thing. Sometimes, honest conversation is needed. But there are many moments when we just need to let it go. This time at home all together has been a great opportunity for me to practice this, and to mentor our girls in doing this as well. Sometimes, grace looks like a hug and just being there with the other person and their emotions.
• We speak simply and honestly with each other. “I need…” I feel…” “I notice…” This allows us to learn from each other, understand each other, respect each other, and support each other through this hard time. And it implies that we listen to each other!
• We forgive each other. “I’m sorry I got so irritated about that. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. Will you forgive me for my words and attitude?” With so many emotions and stresses right now, it’s easy to let it out in unhealthy ways. This is a normal human struggle, which opens the opportunity to ask forgiveness and to grant it.

We likely know all these ideas, but they are much harder to actually live out! Which of these do you, and those you live with, need the most right now?

God is our source of stability and peace to fill our home, despite everything going on beyond its walls.

Will you join me in praying these verses as a blessing over your home?

May God make your home a hiding place, a shelter, a peaceful habitation!

 

P.S. Did you notice that the front doorstep is a large rock? It makes me think of Jesus, the solid rock foundation for our lives and homes.

 

Kathryn Featherstone is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a board-certified Christian Life Coach, who helps people live and love well out of their strengths and their relationship with Christ. She’d like to encourage you in your journey! Write her a note or see her Coaching page.