Peace Today, Or Lasting Peace?

In the absence of conflict we tend to happily drift.
It isn’t until our child, our family, or our marriage is in crisis that we take notice. Then we begin to fervently pray and seek wisdom.

But wisdom was there for the asking long before the crisis.

Many of us are familiar with this text:

“So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
– Luke 11:9-10

Too often we only apply this to our wants or felt needs. Rarely do we ask God what a child or spouse needs from us – particularly when everything seems peaceful.

If it is quiet in the home, we assume all is well.

But in today’s cultural climate "occupied children" has different implications.

Social groups, influencers, thought leaders, game engineers, and media moguls all want our child's attention – for what purpose? Why do they value our child's attention? What concern do those people have for our child?

There are seeds being planted in our children and in our homes; culture(s) being inadvertently grown in our family, while our peace and quiet tells us all is well. How can we know what is really going on in their private lives unless we intentionally create time and space to ask?

Those words of Jesus’ about seeking Wisdom – "knocking" – are immediately preceded by this text in the book of Matthew:

"Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.”
– Matthew 7:6

We needn’t be worrying parents. But we had better be watchful and aware.

The best way to be watchful and aware is to have a regular rhythm of checking in on our children in intimate, relaxed conversation. These “dates” with dad or mom should be prepared by asking God: Lord, open my eyes to my child/spouse's experience and help me craft good questions ahead of our time together. What is it they need me to ask or say to them?

This sort of time investment comes at a cost.
The time invested in our family members means – for most of us – we will have less time for those overtime hours, that second job, or the extra prep for the meeting. We read these words and ask: Who will attend to my concerns? And who will be putting bread on the table – both figuratively and literally?

Interestingly, the Matthew segment is preceded by two sections interpreters have titled: God and Possessions, and The Cure for Anxiety. (Matthew 6:19-34) Take time to read these as you seek God regarding what your family members need.

And, lastly, in both Matthew and Luke these verses are preceded by the "Lord’s Prayer." We encourage you to make a habit of prayerfully meditating on that prayer, which includes this:

Provide us this day with everything we need (our daily bread).
– Luke 11:3 [paraphrased]