Have you ever found yourself in the midst of chaos? There seems to be no order in your day? One event after another brings you to the edge of hopelessness? I have and I venture a good guess most of you have as well. It may not have reigned over your life, but at some point…you were visited by chaos. If not yet, then when?
In order to recognize our experience with it, we need to know what it is. Merriam-Webster defines it as complete disorder and confusion. It doesn’t take an expert to see that the world in general, is in complete disorder and confusion. But what about our little portion of the world? Our homes? Our workplace?
Scripture tells us who the author of disorder, disarray, confusion, mayhem, bedlam, pandemonium, havoc, turmoil, tumult, commotion, disruption, upheaval, uproar and maelstrom is. Yep, it is that beautiful one who thought he knew all he needed to know, to overpower our mighty Father in heaven. Take over His job. Lest we forget, God experienced the attempt at a takeover in his world too. The one He created. His home and workplace. Lucifer, chose to be a disrupter and to rebel against the Creator of the Universe.
Sadly, we see the workings of this disrupter everywhere. He has not stopped. Unfortunately, he uses humanity to get under our skin. Bring chaos into our lives. Interrupt our peace with discord. After all, if he determined his job description was to bring chaos and disorder in the very place where God dwelled, why would we feel protected from his intrusion where we are? No one, no place, is safe from his workings.
We have identified the father of confusion. What do we do about him? Here and now, where we live and work? Scripture has an answer for that to.
When Jesus was lifted from the waters by John the Baptist, He walked into the wilderness to spend forty days and nights in fasting and prayer. He was preparing to do a great work. To once and for all bring all who would believe in Him, security and peace, separate from discord and chaos. That enemy walked in his midst in that wilderness. His goal? Defeat good and be the victorious father of chaos and death. Did he accomplish his goal? He did not. Jesus, had an answer for every temptation, to follow the steps of chaos. “It is written,” said Jesus. He could have breathed a bolt of lightening to fry this fallen one, yet He stood His ground on God’s word.
We may find ourselves in our own wilderness today. We may be wondering from room to room in our homes, our workplace, wondering what in the world has happened to our peace. I challenge you to find it there, walking with you. It is the spirit of God, directing your words and your actions today. He is interceding for us in our wilderness walk. When everything seems to be falling apart around us…we can be assured of one thing. The one who knows the Savior, has peace that cannot be taken. If we have lost our peace, then we have willingly handed it over. Given it up. Let it go.
Like Jesus, when that fear and anxiety starts to well up over the situations we find ourselves in, speak what is written. Speak what we know today. Our Father is in heaven. He is holy. He is our God. His will be done in my life and the lives who share space with me today. Give me what I need to get through this day. To sustain me, whatever comes. Lead me away from the temptation to act like those who bring chaos and disruption. Deliver me from evil. For You great God, are the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.
~Scripture For Today~
Isaiah 14: 14
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (KJV)
Matthew 4: 4
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (NASB)
John 16:33
33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (NIV)
Isaiah 26:3
3 The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! Hallowed be Your name. There is chaos today. There is sadness. Hearts are broken. I pray for Your love and peace to surround them. Make them aware today, that Your peace overrides whatever the enemy has planned for this day. Lead them through the dry wilderness of disappointment into the plush paradise of Your peace. Keep our eyes on You for help in times of trouble. Please forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2016 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.
This is spot on! Thank you!