Peace in a Chaotic World

Chuckle: "Two men were shipwrecked and floating on a raft. One started to pray -- 'O Lord, I've broken most of the commandments, I've been an awful sinner all my days. Lord, if you'll spare me, I'll --' The other man shouted -- 'Hold on, don't commit yourself -- I think I see a sail!'"

Quote: "All men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace." --Thomas A. Kempis

PEACE IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

"For the Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. 'I am the Lord,' he says, 'and there is no other'" (Isaiah 45:18 NLT).

Every day, it seems our world sinks deeper and deeper into a chaotic state. Wars are raging and terrorists are killing innocent people around the world. All sorts of unreasonable violence occurs constantly. Adults are shooting kids. Kids are shooting each other. Parents are shooting their children and each other. Random violence is everywhere and the perpetrators seemingly have no remorse -- no consciences.

What in the world is going on? Well, one thing is certain, God is not the instigator of such chaos. We serve a God of peace and joy who wants us to live in serenity and happiness even in the midst of chaos around us. How then can you find order and peace in your spirit during these troubled times?

As we seek to know our Lord God better each day, the One who created order and peace, he will fill us with his peace. It is your relationship with Jesus Christ that gives you peace. It is his gift to you, and he wants that peace to become more complete in your life every day as you follow him. "Since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us" (Romans 5:1 NLT).

Everywhere you look, destructive forces seem determined to take away your safety, peace, and contentment. If you turn to the world for solutions, they cannot be found. It's only from your relationship and fellowship with God through Christ that the solutions become apparent. Troubles and chaos will always be found in life which can threaten your peace of mind and spirit. To find inner peace in the midst of chaos, seek to better understand God's perspective on life. As your faith deepens, peace will come.

"Picture a massive hurricane raging over the ocean. On the surface of the sea the violent winds whip the water into giant waves and create a scene of havoc and chaos. Yet, a mere twenty-five feet below the surface, the waters are clear and calm. The fish there go on living their lives totally unaware of the thunderous tumult just above them. Where there is 'depth,' there is peace. So it is in the Christian life." --Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Edited by Michael P. Green.

"May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better" (2 Peter 1:2 NLT).

Love, Jerry & Dotse