How Do I Find Peace in My Chaos?

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"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His Law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." -- Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Lately, I have been seeing some crazy life challenges going on with friends, close family members, folks in my community, and across the nation. Serious marital strife, rebellious, disobedient youth, savagely violent teens, rampant mental illness, unusual diseases, medical conditions, political angst, job loss, plant shutdowns, lay-offs, and more. Some people say that these changes are cyclical, part of our economy. But I think otherwise.

A nurse practitioner friend recently told me that a high percentage of youth and teens are taking anti-depressant medications. Some even take anti-psychotic medications and attend therapy to cope with an ungodly and confused lifestyle. Middle aged people and the elderly are also seeking pharmaceutical relief from stress, depression, and pain. As a child growing up in the United States, I do not remember such dependance on medicine just to cope with challenges in life. What happened?

Where is the Lord?

I look back at history when my parents were members of the Greatest Generation. God, Country, and family unity marked their lifestyle. They had problems but overcame with perseverance and love. My generation, the Baby Boomers, transitioned and grew up, seeking their "fair" share of material goods, more stuff than we could ever use. Along with the pursuit of more wealth and prideful achievements, women went into the workplace. Not saying that's a bad thing, but in all the prideful striving, we definitely lost our God-given focus on the Lord, the equally yoked marriage concept, and solid family unity.

Where is the Lord in our lives? You might say that we sinfully put our eyes on idols - money, power, prestige, social media, and self. And there it is: The root of rebellion against the Lord - eyes on self.

Ever so slightly but purposely in each subsequent generation, we turned away from the Lord. Now, I watch GenXers, Millenials, GenZ and those even younger, confuse faith with performance and unity with individualism. And I see that commitment goes short term now, in marital relationships, careers, church attendance, worship, and even meaningful family groups.

Somewhere in my past, I recall the powerful phrase "We are a nation whose God is the Lord." I can't help but wonder as I view the cultural chaos around me, have we lost our compass? Why are we no longer fixing our eyes on the Lord? This faulty focus is not unique to us. Read the Old Testament and see how many times the Lord called His chosen people back to Him. Plenty. Why haven't we learned?

So, what do we do?

I think we first need to acknowledge where we are now to see how far we have strayed from the Lord. The following quote from my friend, Dr. Abner Suarez, Founder of For Such a Time as This Ministry, (www.abnerandleanne.com) speaks directly to this issue. He recently shared this Biblical truth: "The number one thing the enemy is after is your perspective. How you see yourself. How you see others. And most importantly how you see the Lord. The Lord wants a willing, humble heart, open to change, full of love, because the Lord's intention is our eternal transformation."

Tying it all together with Psalm 1

As I read Psalm 1, I felt the same meaning in that beautiful Psalm as in the powerful statement from Dr. Suarez. We must have a willing, humble obedient heart walking in a close relationship with the Lord. In all things. In all ways, and at all times. We need to choose our relationships carefully, staying away from sinful people and activities. We need to keep our mindset away from ungodly beliefs, particularly those of the scornful people who are disrespectful and arrogant against other people and the ways of the Lord.

But, at the same time, we are the salt and light to a fallen world. We are here to pray and intercede for unbelievers and point the lost to the Lord. This conduct flows naturally from your heart when you are rooted and grounded in a relationship with the Lord and His Word. See Ephesians 3:17(NKJV).

Start today!

See Psalm 51: 10(NKJV) - "Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me."

See Psalm 34:8(NKJV) - "Oh, Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

Whatever method you choose to use, begin to meditate today, day and night on the law of the Lord. Whether it's a printed Bible, an app that guides you daily to read God's Word, an audiobook Bible, a godly teacher who shares a Scripture study, a pastor in a sermon series, or a faith-filled podcast - all of these ways benefit you. They can transform the lifestyle of the person with a willing, humble and obedient heart. And then, it is the Lord's will for you to flourish and prosper, bringing forth fruit for the Lord.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you know if the Law of the Lord is in your heart? What are some outward signs? In addition, what signs in your life might cause others who are unbelievers to see your flourishing fruit and then want to know more about the Lord?

2. Or alternatively, what in your lifestyle or behavior is sinful, prideful or scornful, rendering you lost and apart from the Lord and His Word?

3. What is your strategy to find a new lifestyle of prosperity and one that is continually bearing good fruit by following the Lord?