We are living in tenuous times and every day the news media provides new opportunities for panic. We are facing extreme ideological division, injustice, poverty, unrest, and wars. While it was apparent that much of life as we enjoyed and knew it would change, I do not believe any of us were truly prepared for the ensuing madness. The world as we know it seems to be spinning out of control. If we are honest, this really is not anything new. We have been here before, maybe not to this magnitude but, we have all experienced the unexpected and unpredictable. As Believers in The Lord Jesus Christ, chaos ought not cause us to fret because we know The One Who is in control. God can and will bring things to order. He transformed a formless, chaotic void into something beautiful. Even in the midst of chaos God brings calm.
The Bible teaches us fundamental truths about our God. The first chapter of the first book of the Bible, begins with God creating out of chaos (Genesis 1:1-3). At His command, God created the universe. This single act reveals something significant about God…He is Creator. All things were brought to life by The Word of God; He made all things out of nothing. The Creator spoke and brought all things into existence; He still speaks and creates today John 1:3). In the beginning, God created calm during utter chaos. Calm is defined as “the absence of violent or confrontational activity.” There are numerous passages of scripture that when chaos comes all I must do is focus on God’s character and promises as well as put my trust in Him (Psalm 46:1-3, Philippians 4:6-7).
The Synoptic Gospels highlight Jesus bringing calm in the midst of chaos when He quieted the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25). It is interesting to note that this was actually a lake and not a sea. A storm on the Sea of Galilee was not a rare occurrence, storms regularly came from three directions, East, South and West. Due to its positioning, this body of water was known for turbulence. This reminds us of the true humanity of our Lord and Savior. Jesus, just like you and me, got tired and needed rest. Due to His faith and trust in His Father and ours, Jesus was able to sleep through the chaotic storm that had seasoned fishermen afraid (Mark 4:37–38, Luke 8:24). When awakened by the fearful disciples, Jesus reprimanded them and questioned their faith (Mark 4:40).
It was on this body of water that Jesus demonstrated a faith lesson. Knowing that Jesus can and will calm the storms of life requires deep faith. When you and I waver in our faith, due to chaos, we ought not beat ourselves up. Even those who ate and walked with Him grew weak. Even those who witnessed, firsthand, His greatness struggled. What they did not know but we do is, Jesus really is God’s Only Begotten Son and has all power. With this knowledge, you and I do not have to fall prey to fear, even in chaos. We know that Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave therefore, His daughters have no reason to fear. When faced with chaos, we can be calm because we know Who is in control. We can exercise faith over fear and allow the calm of Jesus to wash over us.
Sisters, as we journey through these uncertain times which feel incredibly chaotic, we can be calm. Jesus never said that life would be without trouble or that storms would not come but He encouraged us not to be rattled by anything we face (Matthew 16:33). You and I can exercise calm because Emmanuel, God with us, never leaves our side (Deuteronomy 31:8; James 1:12). When chaos ensues, trust God, exercise your faith and remember, Jesus can command the chaos to cease. Be strong and courageous, even amid chaos trusting God as your firm foundation and rock. God’s children do not have to fear or panic in challenging times because He who created all at the beginning of time, is always in control of all things.
I choose to face the chaotic times of life with faith. I choose calm over fear. I choose to believe that He who shut up the winds and waves on the Sea of Galilee can calm the chaos I face. I choose to believe the words of Philippians 4:13. My faith reminds me that I do not have to have superhuman ability because I serve the ALL-POWERFUL God. My faith reminds me that whatever I face, I can choose to be strong because God is in me and always with me.
Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s devotion:
Write a prayer of gratitude to God for always being with you.
In less than 250 words, describe a time when you exercised faith over fear.
List three things you will do to remain calm in the midst of chaos.
Write a note of encouragement to someone you know who is struggling with fear.
Choose a passage from this devotion to mediate on throughout the month.
I chose calm over chaos, in Jesus name, Amen.
This hymn from the songwriter immediately came to my mind as I read this~ When the Sorms of Life are raging, Stand By Me🙏🏾