June 7
Peace
in the Noise
“If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.”
Romans 12:18 (NIrV)
Audrey sank into her favorite chair with a glass of wine, hoping for a quiet evening after a long day at work. But before she could even take a sip, the loud bass from her neighbors’ speakers rattled the walls of her small apartment. She sighed, her peaceful plans drowned in the noise that had become all too familiar.
Her new neighbors, a group of college students, had moved in two months ago. At first, Audrey tried to be patient. She had knocked on their door a few times, and every time, they apologized with sheepish smiles and promised to keep it down. Yet, the noise always returned—late-night parties, loud music, and laughter that echoed well into the early hours.
Audrey felt a mixture of frustration and helplessness. “Lord, I’ve tried to be kind, but they don’t listen. I just want some peace,” she prayed one night, her hands clenched around her Bible.
The next morning, she came across Romans 12:18: “If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.” The words tugged at her heart. Audrey realized she had been focusing on what her neighbors weren’t doing, rather than what God was asking her to do.
That evening, instead of knocking on their door to complain, Audrey decided to bring over a batch of cookies she had baked earlier. She greeted the surprised group with a warm smile and said, “I know you’re having fun, and I get it. I was your age once, too. I just wanted to share these and ask if we could figure out a way to make things work for both of us.”
The students looked at each other, then back at Audrey. One of them, a young woman named Mia, admitted, “We didn’t realize how much it was bothering you. Thank you for being so kind about it.”
Over the next few weeks, Audrey noticed a change. The music wasn’t as loud, and the parties ended earlier. Mia even stopped by with flowers to thank her for her patience. Audrey realized that choosing peace didn’t just impact her; it inspired others to act differently too.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for teaching us to live in peace with others, even when it’s hard.
Like Audrey, help us to approach conflict with kindness and grace.
Give us the patience to listen, the wisdom to act with love, and the courage to trust You in challenging situations.
Thank You for showing us that peace begins with our actions and can transform hearts.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
