Shift the Atmosphere

Have you ever entered a room and the atmosphere was so thick that you could cut it with a knife? You could easily sense that harsh words were spoken, or an argument had taken place in the room. When we argue and speak negative and unpleasant words in our homes, those words remain and continue to effect the atmosphere until someone clears the air.


I don't know about you, but I must have peace in my life and in my home. When I first got married, and especially after becoming a mom, I realized the importance of creating an atmosphere that my family could succeed in. I believe that the home is the place where children should gain a true sense of safety and security through a loving and peaceful environment. Now, you may be thinking, "What kind of fairytale lifestyle are you dreaming of?" Maybe this seems far from where you are right now, but I'm here to tell you that a peaceful home is very attainable if you determine to have one on purpose.

Anyone can change the atmosphere in a home, but women in particular, as makers of the home, have the ability to set the tone for the home. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "If mama ain't happy nobody is happy." Women can shift the atmosphere in a home for the bad or for the good depending on how we respond to the situations and circumstances around us through the words we speak out of our mouths.  In Proverbs 21: 9 & 19 we are reminded of this very thing: Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. Those are strong statements aren't they? So according to God's word, women should put an end to all strife, anger, bitterness, or contention, and instead create a peaceful atmosphere for their families to live in.

Through prayer, we can shift the atmosphere in our homes so that every member in our household can live peacefully and pleasantly. Even in the midst of hard times, we can still maintain a peaceful environment by exercising our God-given authority and by making a decision to live in peace and walk in love with our family members. I wish you could ask one of my children what it was like to live in our home while they were growing up.  Everything wasn’t always perfect, and we certainly had our differences over the years, but it was peaceful.  I simply refused to allow anything other than God's peace to reign supreme in our home.  And when guests come into our home, they often tell me how peaceful it is.   I say this not to brag on anything that I've done in my own strength.  I boast in the Lord when I say that the very presence of God comes to dwell in our homes when we welcome Him.  Below I've listed some of the ways that you can shift the atmosphere in the right direction and clear the air in your home.


1. Refuse to allow strife to enter your home.

2. Pray and speak God's Word out loud throughout your home.

3. Sing praises to God out loud throughout your home.

4. Play praise and worship music throughout your home.

5. Don't argue in front of your children, but discuss issues in private, calmly and sensibly.

6. Don't allow your children to argue or fight with each other, but talk them through their differences.

7. Be mindful of what you allow into your home via TV shows, movies, music, ect.
   
Now we all have different family dynamics, and some of us have to work harder than others when it comes to shifting the atmosphere in our homes. It may seem overwhelming, but I speak from experience when I say that it can be done. It may require some work and determination on your part, but it will be well worth it.  As Christians, we know that our struggle is not against mere flesh and blood, but with unseen forces that come against us (see Ephesians 6:10-18). But through the Word of God and prayer, God will strengthen you and give you a strategy and plan of action to set things in order in your home.

Wouldn't it be wonderful for your children to look back on their childhood and teenage years one day, only to remember the loving and peaceful atmosphere they grew up in at home? Wouldn’t you love to the walk through the doors of your home and be greeted by the peace and presence of God?  Is it time to shift the atmosphere in your home? Share some of the ways you create the right aftmosphere in your home.  

Blessings,

Kathy

More prayers and strategies for the family are included in my book
Pray-ers Bear Fruit.