I was looking for something recently and I came across a series of devotionals I had written several years ago concerning having peace when there is chaos around us. As I read them, I felt like I should bring them up-to-date and share them with you again…possibly because we all just might have a little bedlam in our lives these days.
Have you ever heard the expression, the “tyranny of the urgent”? It came from a little booklet written in 1967 by Charles Hummel and it quickly became a classic. He argued that we often have a choice between things that are urgent and things that are important – and far too often, the urgent wins. In other words, we often spend our days doing whatever is yelling at us the loudest, even if those things aren’t what are most important. We run ourselves ragged day after day with our stomachs tied in knots, just trying to silence the noise.
As a result, we often end our day frustrated, exhausted and discouraged. Our nerves are on edge and we lash out at those whom we love the most. And peace? Well, unfortunately many haven’t felt peace in a very long time or even thought it was possible, because most people around us are absorbed in the same rat race that we are experiencing.
I knew this had become the “normal” in our society, but it has become much more evident during these days filled with Covid-19 and the upcoming election. Flip on the news and it takes just about a nanosecond to be reminded of the chaotic world in which we live. People going every which way, fighting over whether masks should be worn, fighting over who should be elected and basically just trying to scream louder than the next person.
I came across a book several years ago entitled, Calming The Storm Within: How to Find Peace In This Chaotic World by Jim Lange. Mr. Lange caught my attention when he stated, “Chaos is a part of life that cannot be avoided. We need to actually embrace the chaos because God allows it for our own good.” He followed it with this prayer, “Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You would allow chaos and trouble in my life. You know what I need and You know that staying in my comfort zone is not good for me. Help me to remember this the next time I face chaos and to be thankful in the midst of the storm. Help me to see it from Your vantage point so that I can choose peace in the midst of it and I can be looking for You during the turmoil. Amen.”
In the next few weeks, I plan to share with you some of the highlights that I ascertained from this book, along with what the Lord is teaching me on this subject. I know I have a lot to learn about this and hopefully what I share will also be of help to you.
As we begin a new week, let’s pray for the Lord to help us see the chaos around us from His vantage point so that we can begin to choose peace. Remember, the world is watching us to see how we react to life’s pressures and maybe, just maybe, if they see us choosing peace, they will want to hear about our Jesus!
“And let the peace that comes from Christ
rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called
to live in peace.
And always be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
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