Joy as Your Anchor
David Leonard on Finding Peace in Life’s Turmoil
In the midst of the chaos that often surrounds us, it can be challenging to find a sense of peace and comfort. The world is full of turmoil and uncertainty, but there are those who manage to navigate the storms with unwavering tranquility. David Leonard, a musician and songwriter from Arkansas and now residing in Franklin, Tennessee, is one such individual. In a conversation with Family Life Radio, he shared his insights on maintaining inner, God-given peace in trying times.
When asked about how he continues to find peace amidst the storms, David’s response was simple yet profound. He emphasized the significance of spending quality time with his family, especially his two young daughters, ages ten and four. For David, the world fades away when he sits in the living room with his precious girls. In the innocent laughter and playful conversations with his children, he discovers a haven of peace.
David expresses that God continually speaks to him through these simple moments with his children. It is a reminder that sometimes, in the simplicity of family life, you can find God’s incomparable comfort.
David sees his children as gifts, treasures in the midst of chaos.
In those daily interactions, he rediscovers the essence of what truly matters and it becomes a source of peace that goes beyond worldly troubles.
Family has always been at the core of David’s life. Coming from a modest family with two sisters and loving parents, he values the bonds of kinship deeply. His marriage of 17 years bears testament to his commitment. With two lively daughters in the mix, his household is a bustling hub of energy and creativity. His wife, a high school teacher and cheerleading coach, has clearly influenced their daughters’ aspirations. These two young girls have dreams of becoming both cheerleaders and Broadway performers, and their melodies fill the Leonard household. It’s a place filled with laughter, dreams and endless love.
Another aspect of David’s life that helps him find peace in the storm is his prayer life. To him, prayer isn’t a static practice; it grows and changes daily. Some days, it’s a conversation with a dear friend, while on others, it’s a heartfelt cry for help. This dynamic approach to prayer reflects the ebb and flow of human emotions and circumstances.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (ESV).
David encourages you to embrace the idea that prayer can take on various forms. Sometimes, it may appear more desperate, seeking God’s intervention in challenging times. At other moments, it might manifest as a playful, joyful dialogue with the Lord.
In God’s eyes, it is not the manner in which we pray that matters most but the authenticity of our relationship with Him.
James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (ESV).
The key David underscores is to maintain an open conversation with God. It is perfectly acceptable to talk to Him as you would to a trusted friend.
Prayer is an ongoing dialogue, a continuous connection to God, who listens and answers. It allows you to share your struggles, joys, doubts and questions. It is through this dialogue that you can seek comfort in the storms of life, as well as in the moments of great peace. Romans 8:26-27 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (ESV).
In his own prayer life, David acknowledges that hearing God’s responses can sometimes be challenging. It can feel like a one-sided conversation, with you pouring out your heart and wondering if anyone is listening. But he encourages you to take moments of silence, stepping away from the noise and chaos, and being receptive to the gentle whispers of your time with God. Habakkuk 2:20 captures this beautifully: “But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” (ESV).
As David shared, finding peace in the storms is not about escaping the world’s chaos, but discovering it in the midst of your everyday life.
It is in the laughter of children, the bonds of family and the ongoing conversations you have with God. His journey is a reminder that serenity is not a distant destination but a way of life, a daily choice.
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