Strength in chaos

My friend was nearly moved to tears as she spoke about the fast changes occurring in her workplace.

Due to the funding freeze on foreign aid by the federal government, a large portion of her nonprofit is unable to function. In her work, there are many people who will be unable to receive the help they desperately need. At the same time, there are many people wondering if they are in need of seeking out new employment.

Fear. Anxiety. Unpredictability. Chaos.

In the midst of such circumstances, how can we continue to make the next right decision?

I have come to expect chaos. I am never surprised when disruption rears it’s head. I have found that life is a constant swinging between stability and chaos. Knowing that disruptions will always come is actually a good first step to making decisions in the midst of such disruptions.

Knowing that the world will consistently bring chaos allows my person to seek stability elsewhere.

The natural place to turn is inward. I have found that it is much easier to have and hold inner stability than to try and get the external world around me in order. I am not saying to give up on tending to your external reality. But there will always be cause for financial needs. Something in your house always breaks. Cars age and need repaired. Relationships are full of ups and downs. And yet, in all of life’s experiences, your inner self can remain largely unmoved and intact.

In other words: stability comes not from having everything together out there, but rather getting everything together in here.

It is having and practicing a strong inner life that allows you to weather any external chaos that may come your way.

When the world out there is dark and stormy, inside my self is light and peace.

But the truth is that inside ourselves is often more messy than the world that surrounds us. What if the chaos inside is greater than the chaos that surrounds?

I have become convinced that the only way to have a secure inner life is through following the teachings of Jesus found in the Bible.

If you desire peace, the best place to look is Jesus, because he is peace.

If you desire healing, the best place to look is Jesus, because he brings healing everywhere he goes. He is called the Great Physician.

If the inner chaos you feel is due to a lack of love for yourself, the best place to look is Jesus, because he holds you in high esteem that he seeks you out and even lays his life down specifically for you. He has some beautiful things to say about who you are.

Jesus is stability, a firm foundation. The key to strength in chaos is working together with Jesus that we may order our life and take on the characteristics of the person of Jesus.

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