Feeling overwhelmed by adulting and mothering chaos? Discover how the Fruit of the Spirit Peace, can calm your heart in motherhood’s mess through biblical truth, camaraderie, and lasting faith in Christ.”
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Being an adult, truly and royally, stinks sometimes. Yep, I said it. Now, maybe I’m alone on this, but the times when this adulting gig truly bites at my peace the most are when unexpected things break around the household. Our current list at the time of me writing this is a broken air conditioner (with 97% humidity and temperatures expected to be in the 100s soon), massive Ford Explorer fixes, a ‘needs repairs’ lawn mower, a newly purchased minivan that doesn’t want to start correctly, our main fridge stopped working, and our coffee pot started leaking coffee out of the bottom.
That’s actually just what’s at the top of our list currently. There are many minor things I could regale you with, but that’s taking a minor step too far.
Now I’m sure to many of you think I sound like I’m playing my tiny violin of self-pity, and let’s be clear, I’m well aware that I am. However, I am continuously amazed by the phenomenon of camaraderie.
Our air conditioning issue has affected our household, especially our baby, who is attached to me almost 24 hours a day. Skin-to-skin contact is not ideal in 97% humidity on a 90-degree day with no respite from the deteriorating heat. As my peace melts away, so does my family’s. Because if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Or at least, that’s how the quote goes.
A couple of days ago, I jumped in the air-conditioned vehicle to go pick up our dog from the shelter after she had run away, again. There’s more to the story than that, but let’s just shelf that story for another day. I turned on a podcast in hopes of focusing on more pleasant topics, only to have the host of one of my favorite podcasts casually mention that because their house does not have ductwork, they literally cannot have an air conditioner.
Wait what? I turned up the volume in hopes that she would expound on the topic. As I listened, I instantly felt more at peace about our broken air conditioning unit because of the camaraderie I felt with another sister in Christ.
So, perhaps you will indulge me in my previous statement that adulting really is the pits sometimes, because just perhaps you need the camaraderie of another sister in Christ, just like I did that day.
And yet, the momentary peace we find from linking arms with another person going through the inconvenience of modern adulting pales in comparison to the lasting peace we will find from setting aside our circumstances and finding peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And with that, let’s unravel this next Fruit of the Spirit in our devotional series on the “Fruit of the Spirit” for moms.
The accompanying YouTube video this week features a few different recipes, including: Lazy Lasagna, How to Dehydrate Strawberries, and my Basic Egg Salad.
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Finding True Peace
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” — Philippians 4:11 (ESV)
As a mom, there’s a certain chaos that just comes with the territory. Sticky fingers, forgotten homework, overflowing laundry baskets, unexpected bills, and adulting moments that are less than pleasant—and sometimes, the heaviness of my own thoughts pressing in.
Life rarely gives us quiet and stillness. The Lord, in his great mercy and gentleness, has shown me that peace isn’t the absence of noise or trouble. Peace is His presence right in the middle of it all.
True peace—the peace of God—doesn’t always look like what we expect. It’s not fragile or circumstantial. It’s not something the world gives or takes away. It’s part of the fruit of the Spirit that grows deep inside us when we stay rooted in Christ Jesus.
Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7, ESV
The Greek word for peace, eirēnē, carries the idea of harmony, wholeness, and well-being. It’s the same kind of peace Jesus spoke about when He said,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” John 14:27, ESV.
That’s the kind of real peace that I want. And if our air conditioner drama has taught me anything, it’s that I’m far from embracing the peace that my Prince of Peace offers, because sadly, I still come unwound far too quickly.
Peace in the Hard Things
Peace isn’t always soft. Sometimes it calls me into doing the hard things—choosing forgiveness when it hurts, stepping into uncomfortable conversations, obeying God’s Word when fear screams louder, or showing up for my family with gentleness when my anxiety tells me to shut down.
The world promises peace of mind through self-care routines, perfect schedules, or controlling every variable. But God’s peace is different. It’s fierce and kind, deep and unshakable. It grows in us as we surrender to the Holy Spirit, even when our circumstances don’t change.
Inner Peace in Mothering
In Ephesians, Paul writes about Jesus breaking down the dividing wall of hostility, bringing peace not just between people, but between us and God (Ephesians 2:14, ESV). Through the blood of Christ, we who were far off have been brought near. We are no longer enemies, but children of God, adopted into His family, walking in His Spirit.
That’s where I find my inner peace—not in how well I manage my to-do list, but in knowing I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who calms the storms of life with a word.
“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.” Philippians 4:6–7 ESV
A couple of nights ago, I found myself awake and worrying about our missing dog, broken air conditioner, and bank account. I’m ashamed to say that not once did I find myself praying or seeking God. I did eventually get up and grab a cup of coffee, only to find that the caffeine definitely contributed more to my anxious demeanor. My, how easy it is to self-sabotage.
What would I have found if I looked to my Prince of Peace instead of that measly cup of coffee? When the future feels uncertain, God’s peace gives me strength. I suspect that sleep would have come had I sought the peace that my Savior offers.
That kind of peace doesn’t just help me survive; it helps me thrive. It’s what allows me to say with Paul, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” After all, my adulting worries are certainly 1st world problems that pale in comparison to real-life trials.
This life isn’t easy, but it is eternal. And because of that, we can walk forward with confidence, clothed in the peace of God, secure in the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, thank You for giving us not as the world gives, but with the gift of Your presence and peace. In the chaos of motherhood and the anxiety of daily life, help me walk by the Holy Spirit. Grow in me the fruit of peace, a peace that passes understanding. Give me strength to do the hard things, knowing You are with me. Let Your peace guard my heart and mind today, and every day. Amen.
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!
Check out more in our Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Series:
– Choosing Joy
