Untroubled: Peace In The Midst Of Chaos

UNTROUBLED: PEACE IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS

"2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light." Genesis 1:2-3.

The earth was an empty place! Chaos was everywhere Or as one translation puts it, the earth was a total wasteland. It was filled with darkness. And in the darkness, the Spirit of God moved to prepare for God's creative work. The Lord is a Creator! God is a God of order! For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God." Hebrews 3:4. God took a mess of chaos and made it orderly. From ugliness emerged beauty. Chaos is replaced by order. Purpose take the place of emptiness. God transformed darkness into light.

Are things falling apart around you? Life rarely turns out the way we’ve planned. We all have those times when life seems to take an unexpected turn and we wonder what to do. Perhaps there is a problem in your relationship? Are you facing difficulties at work or is it unemployment? Do you have a health issue? Are you experiencing a crisis in your ministry, business, or family? There's no cause for alarm. You're not alone! The Holy Spirit is present with you. Your life may be without purpose, but God's there to turn it around. He'll never leave you or forsake you. So be conscious of His presence everyday! The presence of God gives us inward peace and joy even though our external circumstances may be turbulent. Be still and place your hope in Him.

"1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah" Psalm 46:1-3.

The ancient cities were often protected by large surrounding walls and imposing gates. Inside the walls was peace and a safe atmosphere where commerce could thrive. God is our fortress! The Lord is our refuge. He is the constant and consistent place of refuge and safety in the times of trouble. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. There is not a promise in the Bible that says we'll be free from troubles. Yet those whose confidence is in the Lord have nothing to be afraid of. Fear is a faith killer! When a believer is afraid, it means he does not trust God enough to bring him or her out of trouble. To act on our fear is to act as though the problem is bigger than the Almighty God. But the truth is, there is nothing too big for Him.

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.......” 1 Corinthians 14:33.

The Online Dictionary defines chaos as, “A condition or place of great disorder or confusion.” It is a state of havoc. Chaos is discord. It is a state of anarchy and lawlessness. Chaos is a state of mess. It is mayhem. Chaos is disruption. It is a state of disturbance. Chaos is turbulence. It is a state of pandemonium. Nothing flourishes in a state of chaos. Chaos takes away your joy and peace of mind. But God is a God of order and not chaos.

PERFECT PEACE:

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3.

Everyone desires peace. We want peace in our mind, marriage, business, circumstances and ministry. But God has something much better for us! His agenda is for us to experience His perfect peace everyday.

"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.

The world defines peace as 'a concept of friendship and harmony in the absence of strife, hostility and attack.' It is a lack of conflict. Peace is the handshake between two enemies. It is the laying down of arms. Peace is the lack of trouble. It is freedom from the fear of violence between individuals or groups. So human peace is based on feelings and circumstances! It is conditional upon the fulfillment of a certain assumption. Worldly peace is not permanent! In every generation, there has always been treaties made to hopefully ensure world peace, yet so many times these treaties are violated and short lived. But God has a better alternative.