“You are a wicked man!” Shola was shocked, knowing how much he cared for her and loved her as himself.
“What do you mean by that statement, Tolu? Why would you say that? Look, I really don’t want to argue with you today. Let’s just stop here and make things right.”
“I don’t want to see you around me!” She fired back with anger. “Fine then,” Shola replied. He picked up his work bag and car keys from the dining table and walked out.
Tolu sank into the sofa and began to cry. She sat there for hours ruminating on the whole issue. She was in deep conflict within herself; she knew she had gone too far. She just had another fight with her husband, and that has been the new normal in their home. “What is wrong with us?” She queried in her mind.
Eventually, she picked up her phone and called her pastor’s wife. They spoke for a long time. At one point, the pastor’s wife asked gently, “My dear, when last did you pray for your home? When last did you pray together as a family?” Tolu went quiet. “Honestly, Ma, we’ve both been so busy with work and other activities,” she admitted.
“Tolu,” the pastor’s wife said softly, “the devil doesn’t like good things, and marriage is good and honourable before God.” She continued, “As Christians, we are meant to dwell in the place of prayer and study of the Word of God. That is how we solidify our homes and handle life’s challenges, including marriage, my dear.”
Tolu sighed. “But I said some really terrible things to my husband. I don’t even know how to face him right now.”
“Go to God in prayer,” the pastor’s wife said. “Ask for forgiveness and invite the Holy Spirit into your home. Settle it in the Spirit first, then go to your husband and ask for his forgiveness. Reassure him of your love and commitment. He will listen to you, and peace will be restored.”
Your Spiritual Sanctuary
Creating a spiritual sanctuary in your home is a beautiful way to cultivate peace, mindfulness, and connection with God. It sets the tone in your home and keeps the devil out. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to start building that atmosphere in your home:
1. Choose a specific time and space for God.
Start by choosing a specific time and space where you can meet with God in the morning, midday, or evening, whatever suits your schedule. This is the first step to invite the Holy Spirit into your home. Also, ensure that your space remains clutter-free and well-organised. If possible, make it a technology-free zone.
2. Deepen your relationship with God through prayer and the study of the Word.
As a Christian, you need to maintain a deep relationship with God through prayer and the study of the Word; it sets the pace for revelation. Actively involving family members in prayers and study also brings harmony and peace (Eph. 6:10-11).
3. Anoint your home and fill it with gratitude.
You can also anoint your home with oil as you pray, inviting the Spirit of God to dwell there. Let thanksgiving and praises fill your space. Showing gratitude to God for His faithfulness will bring increase.
4. Commit your household to serve God.
Actively involving your family members in serving God will yield great results. As Joshua said, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
Building a sanctuary in your home isn’t just about creating a peaceful environment; it’s about making your home a living altar, where God’s presence brings lasting love and all-round peace.