CHAOS

Choose
Him
Above
Other
Sources


     Wow! How quickly the world seems to have been turned upside and down and come to a complete stop. The recent turn of events has left me and my family wondering what's next. As I stayed home today from church more for my mental health than for any other reason I reflected on my personal life in comparison to the world. Honestly, they match up at this moment yet deep down I have peace, somewhere within my soul "it is well".  This verse could be why, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33
     I can honestly sit here and say with all the fear that seems to be running rampant in this world today and for good reason, I am not afraid. This isn't because I'm not concerned about the virus outbreak, but because I know who is in control. You see, my God has this. It is a time of confusion, doubt, fear, and unknown, but do you know that God can and will give you His peace. When you're confused go to him. When you have doubt about your future; go to him. When you are full of fear, no matter the type of fear; go to him. When you are faced with the unknown; go to him. Peter tells us to do that in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you."
     There is so much uncertainty in the world right now, and even in my personal life, not just because of the virus but because of personal things. We can choose to live in that uncertainty and get worked up over it, which I have done or we can choose to trust God and give Him control. Sadly, I did the first choice before realizing I'm not making the situation any better and have now decided that God knows best and I'm trusting in Him. I knew this but got caught up in the what ifs instead of just going with the flow and trusting God.
     I sit here and think about my kids and my students and wonder how they will handle all the uncertainties that we are being faced with and I remember the innocence of my childish thoughts. For some strange reason, as a kid, I thought life as an adult would be easier, but that was completely wrong. Our kids know more than we knew at their age, because they have access to the same information we do. We have to help them not overreact to the unknowns of today and tomorrow, but to teach them in these times we must rely on the ONE who created us. He can and will see us through the unknowns, he will strengthen our faith, he is our hope and our peace.
     As we all face the world in this chaotic state, may we remember to choose Him above other sources for our hope, peace, and strength. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16.