In the Midst of Chaos

The Oxford Dictionary defines chaos as "complete disorder and confusion. Behavior so unpredictable as to appear random, owing to great sensitivity to small changes and conditions." I can safely say this describes not only America but the whole world as well. It seems that chaos is increasing day by day. Those in leadership are behaving in totally unpredictable ways, leaving those of us who supposedly voted them into that office to wonder if they are considering the needs of the people at all. It is a fearful thing to see the chaos in the world, with governments competing with one another with little or no regard for the people they represent. Yet, this chaos is not limited to governments; it seeps into the very place where we live daily. As children of God, we need to respond to this chaos with our faith, knowing that it empowers us to face these challenges.

Let us examine what Father God has revealed to us in His Word about chaos and the world we live in.

We know from Matthew 24:1-14 NLT that Jesus answers two questions the disciples asked him. Question #1: When will all this happen, and Question#2: What will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus had told the disciples that in the years to come, the Temple building would be demolished entirely, which we know happened in 70 AD, around 36-40 years after Jesus died. The second question was about His second coming and the end of the world's age in which we live now. The answer Jesus gave them was the epitome of chaos. Jesus warned them that there would come many claiming to be Jesus, deceiving many.

There will be wars and rumors of wars. He then says that "these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nations will go to war against nations, kingdom against kingdom, famines, earthquakes will be in many parts of the world, but this is only the first part of birth pains, with more to come." Then He tells them what will happen to those who love Jesus, in this world of chaos. That "sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold."

Finally "the good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come." Now we understand that the chaos we live in will only get worse as the Day of the Lord approaches. That is one of the reasons God reminds us in Hebrews 10:25 Nlt, "forsake not the gathering of yourselves together, even more so as you see the day of the Lord approaching."

It is wonderful to receive encouragement online, watch services online, or even on social media. Still, there is something important about seeing other believers face-to-face. It creates a church family. We can learn together and develop a source of accountability, a foundation for the strength we derive from one another. As well as having a safe place to grow in Christ in a world full of chaos. 

1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that chaos is not from God. "He is not the God of confusion, but of peace." This peace is the peace Jesus leaves spoken in John 14:27 NLT, so we should not let our hearts be troubled, nor afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." His peace is just a prayer away.

So what is our part in all this?

We are to let our light shine on the world. Chaos creates darkness, and we need light to show the way. Look up 'chaos' in the Bible for more scriptures that will help us know what to do and remind us who we are and what we have that the world needs. So, dear one, keep your prayer life active. Read His word to find peace and guidance. This world is full of anger and fear, leading to violence. I saw an elderly woman on TV crying, saying she was so afraid of everything. Dear one, we have the light to shine in her darkness, the love of Jesus to dispel the anger, and give her direction.