Like a lot of young women growing up, I learned the art of homemaking from my mother. Any person could purchase a house, but it took skill to make a house feel like home. The classes weren’t formal lessons—far from it. I learned from watching and absorbing how the house changed throughout the year, and how my mother added feminine touches that brought life into a room.
For Christmas, tinsel and holly branches clung to our banisters which complemented our green Christmas tree. In spring, flower centerpieces were placed on tables. A spring-like sign would replace the Christmas wreath on the front door of our home, welcoming in people and the new season. In the fall, autumn leaves, flowers, and trinkets from popular craft stores would be sprinkled throughout the house.
Yet nothing compared to the peace that was felt in the home. Friends and family visiting would routinely compliment not the decor (although beautiful), or the food (although divine) but the pure peace that was felt throughout the hallways. People would visit sometimes just to take a nap and rest their souls. Ministry and prayer were routinely done in our living room.
It wasn’t until I got older that I understood the reason people felt at peace in that house. I am not a decorator in my own right. I’m still learning how to cook (although I’ve been told I’m not too shabby.) I sometimes forget to take my Christmas tree down in season (Christmas in July anyone?) Yet, now living on my own, friends and family alike compliment my own place on the peace they’ve found within my small apartment.
The reason for that peace is quite simple and is mentioned in Psalm 132.
Lord, remember David and all that he suffered. He made a solemn promise to the Lord. He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” (Psalm 132:1-5 NLT)
My mother’s home, my home, and our spiritual lives became a sanctuary unto God. Just as David set out to build a sanctuary unto God, and even suffered in the midst of it physically, we can make our lives a spiritual sanctuary unto God today.
This involves treating our bodies as living sacrifices unto God. Following His precious Holy Spirit through personal convictions and written commandments in His Word. Turning our hearts toward His standards of holiness and inviting His peace into our lives. More than any decorative piece or home-cooked meal, becoming living sanctuaries to God is paramount in building a healthy family home-life.
Check in with Holy Spirit and yourself. What is God asking you to remove from your life or home that could be hindering His peace? Maybe the reverse is true. What is God asking of you that will add more peace in your life? Maybe God desires more prayer in your home, less television etc. Whatever it is, do it. He’s worth it.
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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
