Key Scripture:

“A time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:8b 

Devotional:

As a dad of 2 boys, there is no denying that they are intrigued and fascinated with war. They have learned about different wars throughout history. Some of their favorite movies revolve around war. They play fight with sticks as swords, pretending to defeat their enemies. Why? Because God created them to be warriors. 

God has a purpose for both war and peace. We live in a fallen world where war is a part of our life. God uses war in the Bible to bring judgment on sinful places and there are still wars today being fought to bring justice to the oppressed. War can be a very scary thing, especially when you have loved ones who are the ones willing to lay down their lives. I remember when I was a kid praying every night for a family friend who was fighting in Iraq. I remember crying tears of joy when I heard that he was coming home. Even as a young child, I knew who God was and that the peace I was looking for in the face of war was found in Jesus.

He promises true peace, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

As a parent, there are many things that could keep me up at night worrying. I must make the choice to place my burdens and anxiety on the only One who is truly in control. When I walk in the door of my home, does peace follow? This is a question I have heard my pastor ask many times. God does not promise an easy life, but He does promise His peace to those walking with Him. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Our children need to see us believe and put our hope in the truth that only true peace is found in Christ. If we continue to place our burdens down at the altar and then pick them up because we don’t really know if God is listening or if He really cares about what we care about, they will learn to do the same thing.

We can look to the promise that one day there will be no more war or pain or hurt in this world. But until that day, I will keep encouraging my little warriors to fiercely follow their Lord and Savior in doing what He is commanding them to do, in both times of war and peace.

Questions for Reflection:

• Does peace walk in the door with you? Why or why not?
• How can you model what God is calling us to do in Philippians 4:6-7?