Finding God's Peace in the World's Chaos
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
Lord, have mercy. Folks . . . it’s like the world’s auditioning for a disaster flick! Over the last few months, protests and riots have turned America’s cities into a sad action movie; the world seems to be turning against itself. And social media? It’s like a cage match between your grumpy uncle and that neighbor who complained about your leaf blower last Tuesday (never mind that they ignore their dog barking at 4:30 AM every morning).
Cable news pours gasoline on our anxieties. It’s no wonder people are more depressed and anxious than ever!
So, how do we, as Christians, find joy and stability in this chaotic world? We stop staring at the mayhem!
Finding God’s Peace in the World’s Chaos
Oscar Wilde famously said, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
We have a sovereign God who doesn’t flinch. Riots? Global drama? Social media meltdowns? God’s not up there muttering, “Who wrote this plot twist?” God is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV), holding it all together like divine glue (see Colossians 1:17).
When we find the ground shaking, we simply must look to the One who can never be moved.
Psalm 46:1-2 reminds us: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (ESV).
Though the earth gives way.
Though the mountains be moved.
Those are not gentle, mild moments—those are world-enders. The message is clear: When everything is falling apart, God will keep us together.
I read this wisdom the other day and it may help you, too: “When people are losing their minds, stay grounded. Ditch your phone, read scripture, chill with friends.”
The internet’s rage is real. Depending on the latest news, you may feel up one moment in hope, and down the next moment in despair! The world and its billion voices are overwhelming. If you listen to them, you’ll find only fear. Instead, focus on the one true God, the God who has it all in the palm of His hand, who created your soul and holds your future in eternity.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT). In the “Cathe” translation: “Trust in the Lord, and you’ll soar like eagles, not run around like chickens in a tizzy!”
Christians Need to be the Light
Right now, the world doesn’t need more voices. It doesn’t need another panicked doomsdayer. What it needs is Christians pointing people to Christ. So, let’s stop scrolling, watching the news, or tracking the stock market, and anchor your soul to God’s truth.
No matter what’s happening here, God is in control. Look up and let His peace lead you forward.
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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.
