No one is ever completely shielded from the presence of chaos to some degree. Even the most intentionally organized person will experience the discomfort of undesired stress and chaos. It is a basic, existential reality of the world we live in.
Loss, disease, disappointments, fear… are all like pieces of a massive puzzle that has suddenly been overturned and mixed up. The busy-ness and pressures of life can feel like the overwhelming noise and chaos of being stuck in a traffic jam on a crowded, city street. The feeling of things being out of control; the uncertainty of what is next; how will things work out? All these (and many other scenarios) create those moments when we find we cannot sleep, or feel a frequent sense of dread or anxiety. To rid ourselves of these feelings we may medicate, or try to deny or ignore…only to realize that the issue isn’t really resolved. In the Bible, we read that Jesus spoke these words:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have
tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Jesus knew we would experience all the “tribulation” (the stress and troubling circumstances) of this world and He gave us His solution: HIS PEACE!
Perhaps some people can read those verses and immediately internalize their meaning and truth and feel that peace. Others struggle. When I find myself distressed by the negative situations of the world around me, or in the lives of those I love, or my own challenges…I realize I am not really experiencing the peace Jesus promised. It makes me wonder why not?
As I looked for pictures to use for this segment (under the topic of “Peace”) I found the scene of the bench on the shore of the lake. Calm, serene, NO CHAOS! Two people fishing in the canoe…truly peaceful, right? And wonderful, if that is an option for you.
But…what if that isn’t possible in your world? Perhaps you don’t live anywhere near that peaceful lake, free of the clutter, chaos, or confusion of life? What then? Are Jesus’ words still true for you? ABSOLUTELY!!
His peace isn’t the total absence of stress…
it is His presence even in the midst of stress!
Sometimes, we are able to get away (as Jesus did) to that quiet, “peaceful” place…and that is very healthy! But, when our day to day lives are more like that crowded city street, He can bring an inner peace that can also energize, calm, and even delight our souls! He is faithful to His promises and His Word!
Dear Lord, Help us to truly know and experience the peace You promise. Your presence with us in all things. Help us to turn to You, when we become overwhelmed by the chaos of life around us. Thank you for Your love and faithfulness! In Your precious name, Amen!
https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-dawn-nature-mountains-3325080/
