124 | Looking for Shalom? Discover Empowering Spiritual Practices for Christian Women

Find the full episode here >>> LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog

What if peace wasn’t the absence of noise but the presence of God woven through it? We dive into the real-world challenge of carving sacred time amid full calendars, restless minds, and family demands, then map out a gentle rhythm that actually fits a modern life. Through a warm story of unexpected calm, we explore how small shifts—five quiet minutes at dawn, a single verse by heart, a phone reminder that nudges instead of nags—can restore focus and joy with the help of devotions and essential oils.

Together we open Scripture and uncover the depth of biblical peace. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) in Hebrew speaks to wholeness and harmony that fills every corner of life, while eirēnē (εἰρήνη)  in Greek brings the power of restoration, binding what feels scattered. This richer view of peace moves beyond quick fixes, guiding us to invite God into interruptions, turn distractions into breath-prayers, and practice presence as we navigate home, work, and rest with biblical encouragement. We also tend to legacy: practical ways to share faith with children and grandchildren, plant seeds through short verses, and trust God with growth over time.

If your heart feels tired, there’s grace here. We offer simple tools for sustainable habits, from journal prompts, scripture memorization, and pairing devotion with small joys enhanced by aromatherapy. You’ll hear encouragement for seasons of doubt, reminders that renewal is received rather than forced, and an open door to community where peace becomes practice. Want to build a sacred rhythm that lasts? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs calm, and leave a review so more listeners can find this space. Your next small step might be the start of a whole new way to walk with God.

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Episode Transcript

Paula Behrens (00:00):
Today, we're exploring how we can find
balance while reconnecting withour faith in practical
intentional ways.
I know many of you have sharedstruggles around carving out
sacred time for God, feelingdisconnected in the midst of
busy schedules or simply longingfor that deep spiritual
nourishment you remember fromyears past.
You're not alone in thesefeelings, and there's absolutely

(00:22):
no shame in where you are rightnow.
It's a journey of small steps,after all.
Plus, we'll delve into a wordstudy on peace in both the
Hebrew and the Greek.
But before diving in, take amoment to pause, breathe deeply,
and center yourself asking,When was the last time I felt
truly connected to God in thequiet of my morning before the

(00:44):
day began?
And be sure to stick arounduntil the end because I have a
special invitation for you tojoin us in our Bible study
circle.
Back in my early pastoral days,I remember juggling a mile-high
stack of folders into the filingroom when I felt a slight shift
in my grip, and before I knewit, the entire stack was

(01:05):
cascading onto the floor like apaper waterfall.
The administrative assistantsitting nearby, eyes wide,
expecting a more colorfulreaction than my surprisingly
calm, oh no, burst into laughtersaying, Oh wow, you must really
have the spirit of Jesus inyou.
I would have slipped a fewchoice words in there.
That silly moment turned into asweet reminder of how, through

(01:29):
the power of the indwelling HolySpirit, we can choose peace
even in small calamities, alesson that has carried me
through many a busy day.
Perhaps, like me, you hadmoments of doubt, surprise
encounters, and maybe even a bitof overwhelm along the way.

(01:52):
Well, if that resonates withyou and you're yearning for
clarity, peace, andfaith-focused encouragement,
this podcast is for you.
Hey friend, I want to personallyinvite you to check out our
faith coaching service.
If you've been feelingspiritually dry, this is your
opportunity to reignite yourlove for time with God.

(02:13):
It isn't just another program,it's a deeply intentional
one-on-one session focused onChristian empowerment where
you'll experience a rhythm thattruly fits your life, all while
engaging your senses througharoma therapy devotions.
Before our coaching call,you'll receive a sampler to use
during our online sessionenhancing this fun spiritual

(02:34):
journey in ways that will helpyou consistently connect with
God.
We'll partner together todesign a peaceful
Christ-centered rhythm thathelps you breathe again
spiritually and emotionally.
You'll walk away with clarity,focus, and a renewed connection
to the Holy Spirit.
Go right now toPaulaBehrens.com/coaching to
book your session.

(02:54):
That's Paula Behrens B-E-H R EN S .com/coaching (no spaces).
It's time to stop trying tofigure it out alone and start
connecting with God in a waythat finally feels like
refreshment for your soul.
Check the show notes to saveyour spot while the peace reset

(03:15):
is still on the table.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
First, we're going to talk aboutthe tug of war between life's
demands and our desire forcloseness with God.
Whether it's the pull of familyneeds, unexpected distractions,
or even just the marathon ofdaily tasks, the challenge is

(03:39):
real.
Have you ever found yourselflost in the myriad of things to
do, only to wonder at the day'send if you've truly connected
with God?
Here's where we start.
Give yourself room to breathe.
What does that mean for you?
Well, it might mean setting agentle alarm for five minutes
earlier each morning to praybefore your feet even touch the

(04:00):
ground.
Or maybe it means turning offthe TV an hour earlier in the
evening to spend some quiet timein the Word.
Think of these not as rules,but as rhythms, small,
sustainable steps.
Many of you have expressedfeelings of spiritual dryness or
even questioning your faithamidst so many beliefs in this

(04:21):
world.
It's okay to ask thosequestions.
God doesn't shy away from ourdoubts or uncertainties.
A good practice is to memorizescripture, allowing his Truth to
anchor you.
Start small, dive into a versethat speaks deeply to your
heart, and let it become part ofyour spiritual toolkit.
Now, if you're navigating abusy schedule and finding it

(04:43):
hard to fit everything in,remember that putting God first
brings our lives into order.
Maybe that looks like usingyour cell phone calendar, not
just for appointments, but toremind yourself of that sacred
time with God each day.
It's not about perfectlyfitting it in, it's about
prioritizing His presence as theguiding force of your day.

(05:06):
Let's talk about handlingdistractions.
Family calls, your favoriteshows popping up on TV, things
like that.
Rather than battling againstthem, invite God into those
moments.
When the phone ringsunexpectedly, say a quick prayer
for the person on the other endbefore answering.
When your favorite showbeckons, pause and ask the Holy

(05:30):
Spirit if there's an opportunityto connect more deeply with Him
first.
For those times when you've feltdisconnected from church or
family, know that rediscovery ispart of this journey.
Engage with Scripture andsurround yourself with
devotionals that resonate withyou, ones that break down the
original Greek or Hebrew tobring new life to the words

(05:52):
you're reading.
These can illuminate your pathand help reestablish that joyful
connection you crave.
The Hebrew wordshalom (שָׁלוֹם) is often
translated as peace, but itsmeaning extends far deeper.
In biblical times,shalom (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses a
sense of completeness,wholeness, and harmony, an

(06:14):
all-encompassing peace thattouches every aspect of life.
When we talk about peace in ourspiritual journey,
shalom (שָׁלוֹם) isn't just theabsence of conflict, it's the
presence of God in all areas ofour lives.
Meanwhile, the Greek equivalentused in the Septuagint is
eirēnē (εἰρήνη), which alsodenotes peace, but includes the

(06:36):
idea of unifying differences,highlighting the reconciliation
and restoration aspects of God'speace in our lives.
Eirēnē (εἰρήνη) in its biblicalusage, carries the nuance of
binding together what is brokenor divided, symbolizing the
harmony that comes throughChrist's redemptive work.
It suggests a wholeness thatrestores relationships with God

(07:00):
and with others, bringingtranquility amidst life storms.
Unlike a temporary calm, itsignifies a permanent peace that
surpasses all understanding,offering a state of inner rest
that God intends for everybeliever.
Consider the use ofshalom (שָׁלוֹם) in Numbers
6:24- 26, where the Aaronicblessing says, The Lord bless

(07:24):
you and keep you, the Lord makehis face to shine upon you and
be gracious to you, the Lordlift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace.
Here, Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)signifies a divine peace that
brings spiritual and physicalwell-being, prosperity, and a
flourishing life.
Incorporating shalom (שָׁלוֹם)into our everyday lives means

(07:46):
consciously welcoming God'spresence into every moment, be
it during quiet morning prayersor amidst the bustle of a busy
day.
It's about embracing theprofound peace, eirēnē (εἰρήνη),
that stems from unity withChrist, recognizing Him as a
true source of complete peacethrough faith in Him as Lord and

(08:07):
Savior.
This approach enables us tonurture a life filled with
tranquility, regardless of ourexternal situations.
To truly experienceshalom (שָׁלוֹם) and
eirēnē (εἰρήνη), we need toincorporate practices that align
with God's peace.
Small steps, like setting asideintentional time for scripture
reading and journaling, help usembrace this peace more fully.

(08:31):
Lean into passages that speakof God's promises of peace and
allow them to transform yourday-to-day life into a testament
of His unwavering presence.
Now you might be wondering, howdo I translate all this into the
rhythm that holds strong evenwhen life gets overwhelming?
Well, start with intention.
Spend a morning inviting Godinto each area of your life,

(08:55):
your family, work, andespecially your rest.
Include a peaceful practicelike aromatherapy to enhance
those moments with God.
There's something special aboutusing biblical aromas, what we
call essential oils today, thattruly helps create a sacred
ambiance.
Finally, as you navigate thisfaith-filled journey, remember

(09:15):
that you're never alone.
Give yourself grace when thingsdon't go as planned and
celebrate the small victoriesalong the way when they do.
Take time for quiet prayer andlet yourself be still before
God, acknowledging that it's aprocess, not perfection.
To add some variety to this,let's explore how scripture can

(09:37):
help you apply faith to the veryreal challenges of family and
legacy, like guiding yourgranddaughters or reconnecting
with grown children who live faraway.
Many of you have mentionedstruggling with this, feeling
torn between your own spiritualneeds in the pull to support
others.
Take heart from Proverbs 22:6,which says, Train up a child in

(09:58):
the way he should go, even whenhe is old, he will not depart
from it.
This isn't a guarantee ofperfection, but a gentle
reminder that your prayers andfaithful example plant seeds
that endure.
Make it doable today by jottingdown one way you can share a
simple Bible verse with a lovedone, perhaps through a quick

(10:19):
text or a shared devotion, andlet that act of intentionality
re-ignite your sense of purpose.
When distractions arise, turnthem into an opportunity for
prayer, asking God to use thoseinterruptions for his glory.
That'll transform them fromthieves of time into moments of

(10:40):
divine connection.
For those deeper moments ofdoubt or weariness, where you
might feel like you're justcoasting on past faith or
questioning if it's all just astory, let's turn to the
encouragement of Isaiah 40:31,which says, For those who wait
on the Lord shall renew theirstrength, they shall mount up

(11:01):
with wings like eagles.
This verse speaks directly tothe tiredness and emotional
stretches you've described,reminding us that renewal comes
not from our own efforts, butfrom resting in Him.
Perhaps you'll choose adevotional that breaks down
passages in simple ways,exploring the original meanings

(11:22):
like we did with the wordshalom (שָׁלוֹם) and
eirēnē (εἰρήνη).
You'll be surprised how thismakes scripture feel alive and
relevant again.
If you're in Christiancounseling or trying to read the
Bible in a certain time frame,give yourself grace when you
fall behind.
Because it's about progress,not pressure.
By weaving in these practices,you're not just surviving the

(11:45):
busyness of life, you'restepping into a rhythm that
fosters joy and reconnectionwith your creator God.
Building on that, now let'sbring in some teaching on
creating sustainable habits thatcombat the overwhelm,
especially for those of you wholive alone or juggle a flexible
schedule like retirement.
You've shared howprocrastination and

(12:07):
overcommitment can creep induring this time, leaving you
feeling a little confused.
Jesus modeled this balance inMark chapter 1, verse 35, when
he rose early to pray evenamidst his demanding ministry.
What if you adapted that bysetting a gentle reminder on
your phone, not as a rigid rule,but as a loving nudge toward

(12:30):
that sacred time?
Make it doable today by pairingit with something enjoyable,
like a cup of tea in a quietspot, turning your devotion into
a refreshing pause rather thananother task.
Over time, these habits build afoundation where God's voice
cuts through the noise, helpingyou discern when you should say
yes or when you should say no,and reminding you that you're

(12:54):
not alone.
He's right there in theeveryday.
Finally, as you navigate theseseasons of faith, know that
every small step toward God is avictory worth celebrating, even
if it feels imperfect.
Small steps add up, friend,transforming your walk from
obligation to a joyful,intentional pursuit.

(13:14):
If you're ready to explore moreways to build these rhythms and
connect with a community thatunderstands, let me invite you
to come and hang out with us inour Bible study circle, a place
where God's voice can breakthrough the noise, guiding you
with the gentle wisdom your soulcraves.
In our time together, you'llexperience a warm, encouraging,

(13:34):
soul-nourishing journey throughscripture, book by book, chapter
by chapter, starting with theNew Testament and then the Old.
We will walk, learn, and growtogether at a steady,
life-giving pace that will fitbeautifully into your everyday
life while giving you an amazingoverview of the whole Bible.
You'll receive practical toolsto stay rooted in the Word,

(13:57):
printable lessons to guide yourreading, journal prompts to help
you slow down and reflect,discussion conversations to
spark deeper understanding ofGod's Word, and audio lessons
that feel like a chat with afriend.
You'll also be surrounded by asupportive, faith-filled
community seeking the samesteady spiritual rhythm as you.
If your heart longs forcommunity, structure,

(14:19):
encouragement, and ways todeepen your theology, your
thoughts about God, come join usat EssentialfaithJourney.com.
That'sEssential Faith Journey .com (no
spaces).
I'd love to walk alongside youin this exciting journey.
Thank you for tuning in today.

(14:40):
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you are blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to

(15:02):
live on purpose in Christ.
Until then,keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.