Living On Purpose In Christ | Christianity, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Essential Oils, Journal Prompts

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

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Essential Oil Practitioner • Season 2

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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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Paula Behrens:

Today, we're exploring how we can find balance while reconnecting with our faith in practical intentional ways. I know many of you have shared struggles around carving out sacred time for God, feeling disconnected in the midst of busy schedules or simply longing for that deep spiritual nourishment you remember from years past. You're not alone in these feelings, and there's absolutely no shame in where you are right now. It's a journey of small steps, after all. Plus, we'll delve into a word study on peace in both the Hebrew and the Greek. But before diving in, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and center yourself asking, When was the last time I felt truly connected to God in the quiet of my morning before the day began? And be sure to stick around until the end because I have a special invitation for you to join us in our Bible study circle.

Paula Behrens:

Back in my early pastoral days, I remember juggling a mile-high stack of folders into the filing room when I felt a slight shift in my grip, and before I knew it, the entire stack was cascading onto the floor like a paper waterfall. The administrative assistant sitting nearby, eyes wide, expecting a more colorful reaction than my surprisingly calm, oh no, burst into laughter saying, Oh wow, you must really have the spirit of Jesus in you. I would have slipped a few choice words in there. That silly moment turned into a sweet reminder of how, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can choose peace even in small calamities, a lesson that has carried me through many a busy day. Perhaps, like me, you had moments of doubt, surprise encounters, and maybe even a bit of overwhelm along the way. Well, if that resonates with you and you're yearning for clarity, peace, and faith-focused encouragement, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, I want to personally invite you to check out our faith coaching service. If you've been feeling spiritually dry, this is your opportunity to reignite your love for time with God. It isn't just another program, it's a deeply intentional one-on-one session focused on Christian empowerment where you'll experience a rhythm that truly fits your life, all while engaging your senses through aroma therapy devotions. Before our coaching call, you'll receive a sampler to use during our online session enhancing this fun spiritual journey in ways that will help you consistently connect with God. We'll partner together to design a peaceful Christ-centered rhythm that helps you breathe again spiritually and emotionally. You'll walk away with clarity, focus, and a renewed connection to the Holy Spirit. Go right now to PaulaBehrens.com/coaching to book your session. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H R E N S .com/coaching (no spaces). It's time to stop trying to figure it out alone and start connecting with God in a way that finally feels like refreshment for your soul. Check the show notes to save your spot while the peace reset is still on the table. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal, and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

First, we're going to talk about the tug of war between life's demands and our desire for closeness with God. Whether it's the pull of family needs, unexpected distractions, or even just the marathon of daily tasks, the challenge is real. Have you ever found yourself lost in the myriad of things to do, only to wonder at the day's end 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 a gentle alarm for five minutes earlier each morning to pray before your feet even touch the ground. Or maybe it means turning off the TV an hour earlier in the evening to spend some quiet time in the Word. Think of these not as rules, but as rhythms, small, sustainable steps.

Paula Behrens:

Many of you have expressed feelings of spiritual dryness or even questioning your faith amidst so many beliefs in this world. It's okay to ask those questions. God doesn't shy away from our doubts or uncertainties. A good practice is to memorize scripture, allowing his Truth to anchor you. Start small, dive into a verse that speaks deeply to your heart, and let it become part of your spiritual toolkit. Now, if you're navigating a busy schedule and finding it hard to fit everything in, remember that putting God first brings our lives into order. Maybe that looks like using your cell phone calendar, not just for appointments, but to remind yourself of that sacred time with God each day. It's not about perfectly fitting it in, it's about prioritizing His presence as the guiding force of your day. Let's talk about handling distractions. Family calls, your favorite shows popping up on TV, things like that. Rather than battling against them, invite God into those moments. When the phone rings unexpectedly, say a quick prayer for the person on the other end before answering. When your favorite show beckons, pause and ask the Holy Spirit if there's an opportunity to connect more deeply with Him first.

Paula Behrens:

For those times when you've felt disconnected from church or family, know that rediscovery is part of this journey. Engage with Scripture and surround yourself with devotionals that resonate with you, ones that break down the original Greek or Hebrew to bring new life to the words you're reading. These can illuminate your path and help reestablish that joyful connection you crave. The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is often translated as peace, but its meaning extends far deeper. In biblical times, shalom (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses a sense of completeness, wholeness, and harmony, an all-encompassing peace that touches every aspect of life. When we talk about peace in our spiritual journey, shalom (שָׁלוֹם) isn't just the absence of conflict, it's the presence of God in all areas of our lives.

Paula Behrens:

Meanwhile, the Greek equivalent used in the Septuagint is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), which also denotes peace, but includes the idea of unifying differences, highlighting the reconciliation and restoration aspects of God's peace in our lives. Eirēnē (εἰρήνη) in its biblical usage, carries the nuance of binding together what is broken or divided, symbolizing the harmony that comes through Christ's redemptive work. It suggests a wholeness that restores relationships with God and with others, bringing tranquility amidst life storms. Unlike a temporary calm, it signifies a permanent peace that surpasses all understanding, offering a state of inner rest that God intends for every believer.

Paula Behrens:

Consider the use of shalom (שָׁלוֹם) in Numbers 6:24- 26, where the Aaronic blessing says, The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Here, Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) signifies a divine peace that brings spiritual and physical well-being, prosperity, and a flourishing life. Incorporating shalom (שָׁלוֹם) into our everyday lives means consciously welcoming God's presence into every moment, be it during quiet morning prayers or amidst the bustle of a busy day. It's about embracing the profound peace, eirēnē (εἰρήνη), that stems from unity with Christ, recognizing Him as a true source of complete peace through faith in Him as Lord and Savior. This approach enables us to nurture a life filled with tranquility, regardless of our external situations.

Paula Behrens:

To truly experience shalom (שָׁלוֹם) and eirēnē (εἰρήνη), we need to incorporate practices that align with God's peace. Small steps, like setting aside intentional time for scripture reading and journaling, help us embrace this peace more fully. Lean into passages that speak of God's promises of peace and allow them to transform your day-to-day life into a testament of His unwavering presence.

Paula Behrens:

Now you might be wondering, how do I translate all this into the rhythm that holds strong even when life gets overwhelming? Well, start with intention. Spend a morning inviting God into each area of your life, your family, work, and especially your rest. Include a peaceful practice like aromatherapy to enhance those moments with God. There's something special about using biblical aromas, what we call essential oils today, that truly helps create a sacred ambiance. Finally, as you navigate this faith-filled journey, remember that you're never alone. Give yourself grace when things don't go as planned and celebrate the small victories along the way when they do. Take time for quiet prayer and let yourself be still before God, acknowledging that it's a process, not perfection.

Paula Behrens:

To add some variety to this, let's explore how scripture can help you apply faith to the very real challenges of family and legacy, like guiding your granddaughters or reconnecting with grown children who live far away. Many of you have mentioned struggling with this, feeling torn between your own spiritual needs in the pull to support others. Take heart from Proverbs 22:6, which says, Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it. This isn't a guarantee of perfection, but a gentle reminder that your prayers and faithful example plant seeds that endure. Make it doable today by jotting down one way you can share a simple Bible verse with a loved one, perhaps through a quick text or a shared devotion, and let that act of intentionality re-ignite your sense of purpose.

Paula Behrens:

When distractions arise, turn them into an opportunity for prayer, asking God to use those interruptions for his glory. That'll transform them from thieves of time into moments of divine connection. For those deeper moments of doubt or weariness, where you might feel like you're just coasting on past faith or questioning if it's all just a story, let's turn to the encouragement of Isaiah 40:31, which says, For those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles. This verse speaks directly to the tiredness and emotional stretches you've described, reminding us that renewal comes not from our own efforts, but from resting in Him.

Paula Behrens:

Perhaps you'll choose a devotional that breaks down passages in simple ways, exploring the original meanings like we did with the word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) and eirēnē (εἰρήνη). You'll be surprised how this makes scripture feel alive and relevant again. If you're in Christian counseling 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 busyness of life, you're stepping into a rhythm that fosters joy and reconnection with your creator God.

Paula Behrens:

Building on that, now let's bring in some teaching on creating sustainable habits that combat the overwhelm, especially for those of you who live alone or juggle a flexible schedule like retirement. You've shared how procrastination and overcommitment can creep in during this time, leaving you feeling a little confused. Jesus modeled this balance in Mark chapter 1, verse 35, when he rose early to pray even amidst his demanding ministry. What if you adapted that by setting a gentle reminder on your phone, not as a rigid rule, but as a loving nudge toward that sacred time? Make it doable today by pairing it with something enjoyable, like a cup of tea in a quiet spot, turning your devotion into a refreshing pause rather than another task. Over time, these habits build a foundation where God's voice cuts through the noise, helping you discern when you should say yes or when you should say no, and reminding you that you're not alone. He's right there in the everyday. Finally, as you navigate these seasons of faith, know that every small step toward God is a victory worth celebrating, even if it feels imperfect. Small steps add up, friend, transforming your walk from obligation to a joyful, intentional pursuit.

Paula Behrens:

If you're ready to explore more ways to build these rhythms and connect with a community that understands, let me invite you to come and hang out with us in our Bible study circle, a place where God's voice can break through the noise, guiding you with the gentle wisdom your soul craves. In our time together, you'll experience a warm, encouraging, soul-nourishing journey through scripture, book by book, chapter by chapter, starting with the New Testament and then the Old. We will walk, learn, and grow together at a steady, life-giving pace that will fit beautifully into your everyday life while giving you an amazing overview of the whole Bible.

Paula Behrens:

You'll receive practical tools to stay rooted in the Word, printable lessons to guide your reading, journal prompts to help you slow down and reflect, discussion conversations to spark deeper understanding of God's Word, and audio lessons that feel like a chat with a friend. You'll also be surrounded by a supportive, faith-filled community seeking the same steady spiritual rhythm as you. If your heart longs for community, structure, encouragement, and ways to deepen your theology, your thoughts about God, come join us at EssentialfaithJourney.com. That's Essential Faith Journey .com (no spaces). I'd love to walk alongside you in this exciting journey.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you are blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more listeners like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.

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Paula Behrens

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