Can we be Calm in the Midst of Chaos?

For some time, I have noticed that my life's duties have accelerated at an alarming rate, and I am busier now than when I worked full time and attended night school to get my first degree.  And it has not been good for my health or peace of mind.  Before people used to talk about "Type A" personalities, people that strived for perfection and had a schedule that spun circles around everyone else.  They were the doers and ones that insisted on succeeding well at everything they did.  But now it seems that in addition to myself, almost everyone I know is as busy as I am, and we are all "Type A personalities."  So what is happening that so many people are busier now than they've ever been?

Many Christians and even non-Christians can sense there's been a change in the world. Time seems to be passing quickly, and the world seems to be growing darker, and this is Biblical (see Matthew 24:23).  With technology like smartphones and tablets that are quick and the world's knowledge is at our fingertips, we can overload our minds and not even realize how much information we are forcing our brains to process.  Searching online or anything else we are doing on our tech toys can and do eat up a good chunk of our time.  It is no wonder we suffer from information overload, and it is no wonder we fall behind on so many of our duties, even basic duties. Sadly, many relationships (or lack of) are a reflection of this.  Loneliness, lack of purpose, fatigue, exhaustion, and depression are the norm for many today, especially in the Western world.

Recently I had a wake-up call when my body sent several alarming signals that I was overdoing things.  In fact, this went on for a few days and I wondered if I should see a doctor.  I decided to pray specifically to the God who made me in the first place, and ask Him what to do.  He brought to mind several things.  First, I was all over the place in my thinking wondering which task to perform first, so my brain was on overload making it hard to sleep at night.  Bingo!  Lack of sleep from over-thought processing! 

I was given the sound advice to calm my thoughts by focusing more on Scripture than on the many things I need to do. Another word for it is "meditation."  Meditation is a word used loosely and frequently amongst non-Christians of the faith. They will mediate on various passages, philosophies and so on, often to music.  I meditate on the Psalms, and now when I read I try to spend enough time that a new revelation of Scripture will come to me.  I consciously push every other thought aside and I ask for God's help to silence my distracting thoughts. Then I purposefully dwell on that one or series of Scripture surrounding that one thought.  By the way, meditating on Scripture brings results that bear good fruit, because it is the "living" Word of God.  It also comes with promises like in this familiar passage:

Psa 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psa 1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psa 1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

I realize too that there is an enemy, the devil, trying to keep us constantly distracted and not think about Scripture or God.  He's been doing this since the beginning in the Garden of Eden.  He is the author of chaos and confusion, and he works so subtly we often don't even realize that he's crept into our thought life!  He distracts us constantly because he knows the power of the Word of God, and especially when we use it and believe it, it will defeat him and bring down his evil schemes.  In fact, over time, when we've been spending more time in the Word, we will recognize the fact that he is an imposter come to steal our peace and our joy and our peace of mind!

2Co 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

To answer the question, Can we be Calm in the Midst of Chaos? Yes, I believe we can, but not without the Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Lord of all Creation and heaven and earth who created us and loves us.  He loves us each in a personal way and He knows our name.  He longs to have fellowship with us, but He can't when we're too distracted by the things of this world. And if we think we can have peace and calm without Him, it will only be short-lived and as temporary as a watered plant during a severe drought.   If we truly want peace in the midst of our chaotic world, we must put Him first, and then consciously take the time to spend in His Word.  Then just talk to Him as if we are talking to a friend over a cup of coffee.  Ask him questions, then wait for His answer.  Do this daily and over time you'll notice your world go from crazy to calm.  I can honestly say that this is what is happening to me, and it’s only been a short period of time.

Joh 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Authentic Spiritual Encounters

Lately it seems that cults are becoming much more subtle in their approach to draw people into their circle.  They often appeal to a person's sense of well-being and promise them peace and tranquility, relaxation, and some form of power (often with the help of a spiritual guide) to overcome life's difficulties.  There will be some form of fellowship since many people drawn into these groups are lonely, without purpose, and looking for direction and answers.  They appeal to universal needs we all have.  And they can sound very promising and very convincing!  Well, isn't that just like the serpent up to his same old tricks offering an alternative, or "another" and better way than what God offers?  Read the account of the serpent and Eve in Genesis 3 to see what I mean.  And look at what happened to us all as a result of Eve and Adam listening to him!  Instead of immortality and life in paradise, we were sentenced to a fallen earth and ultimate death!  Let's look at some important Scriptures so that we can have a heightened sense of awareness on how to discern what is of God and what is not.

Firstly, Scripture says that Satan tries to mimic the works of God and the people of God - he tricks people into thinking it is the real thing when it is not.

2Co 11:12  But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

2Co 11:13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2Co 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

2Co 11:15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

How do we discern what is of God and what is a counterfeit?  

When a true believer speaks, they will speak of the Lord and it will line up with Scripture. Those who are true believers will have a hunger for the Word of God, and will be teachable to soak up all they can get from the Word.  They will love God and love His Word, and know that in order to know God, they have to know His Word.  You can tell when someone has been immersed in the Word of God -- they will know Scripture and use it at the appropriate time.  It will have a definite effect on those who hear even though it may not be evident right away.   

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Also, a true believer's message will line up with the Biblical Gospel message, and will not add to it or change it in any way to be "another" gospel:

Gal 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Gal 1:7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Gal 1:8  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Gal 1:9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Gal 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Notice in verse 10, these won't be words of vanity to draw attention to oneself.  These words will be spoken to please God, and to glorify God.   See 2 Cor.11:12 further up.

An example is when you hear someone share a personal encounter with God.  A legitimate personal testimony that involves the transforming works of God can and will always be capable of being verified by Scripture.  It will stand up to Scripture and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.  Also, the main focus is not on what we do, but on what the Lord has done and is doing for us.

Works of the Spirit

Also important is that we must be careful not to discount legitimate works of the Spirit because we don't understand something.  Scripture is filled with miracles and works of the Spirit. Check out the book of Acts.  Throughout the Old Testament the Lord and angels of the Lord appeared to people.  Jesus walked the earth and performed thousands of miracles, which were so many there was no room to record them all!  We cannot understand everything.  Jesus died and rose from the dead! Do we understand how this happened? Of course not, but we believe He did nonetheless, otherwise we can't be saved!

So we can discern anyone who performs miracles whether they are of God by the FRUITS of the Spirit and if these works glorify God or man!  If someone received healing, for example, this should increase their faith and draw them close to God -- this glorifies God!!

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Eph 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Eph 5:10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

So here is a checklist of what to consider if we are in doubt that something is from God or not:

1.      Does it glorify God?

2.      It is pleasing to God?

3.      Does it cause any doubt or confusion?

4.      Does it support the gospel message or detract from it in any way - i.e. - will it in some  way lead someone to the saving grace of the cross?

5.      Does it draw attention to self or to God?

6.      If it appears to be a miracle, can it be backed up with Scripture?

7.      Does it draw you closer to God?

8.      Is it a truth that refines and convicts you to be more like Christ?

9.      Is it something that Jesus would agree with? 

10.    Does it come at a personal cost to you?       

Let's not be fooled, either something is of God or it isn't.  Either we are on God's side or we aren't.  The way of the cross is narrow and yet filled with peace, but the way of the world (of which Satan rules) is a wide path that promises happiness but leads to destruction.  No good will ever come of following or participating in what is evil in God's sight.  

Dan 12:2  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Dan 12:3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Reboot Your Life?

Not long ago I bought a book of short stories about people who quit their current lifestyle to pursue a completely different path in life. The premise was to get out of a rut, take a chance, and do something completely different than they were used to doing.  Some of the stories were truly inspiring, and almost every person was glad they had changed their way of life.  Many of them, rather than find success in making more money or having the security of their current job, found a much more satisfying life in the new one they had chosen even though they were not getting the same financial reward.  Some traveled to far-away places, others changed careers, some pursued daring sports, and others opened their hearts to new relationships. 

            Change happens to us all, and it can be exciting and invigorating.  However, what about the many people who do not have the opportunity to make these kinds of significant changes?  For many of us, we will not have the opportunity to deliberately and radically make a big change in our lives due to solid commitments to family, health issues, or just sheer busyness with our current lifestyle.  Sometimes we have to wait, and sometimes God has completely different plans for us than what we think (and they are always better).  In fact, whoever comes to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, a complete life change will occur on the inside, for God gives a person a new heart, a new life and a new start and they will never be the same again, nor will they want to go back to who they once were.  But we are to no longer do whatever we feel like; now out of our love and gratitude to God, we turn our lives over to Him, and by faith and His help and strength, we do what He says to do in His Word, the Bible. 

Along with new life, comes a new purpose for living.  We may have plans, but the Lord’s plans will many times differ from ours because He knows the beginning from the end.  His plans will always work out for the absolute best when we put our trust in Him.  So for followers of Jesus, life changes occur, but when they happen are in God’s perfect timing if we wish to follow His plan and not run ahead on our own.  Unless a new door opens, believers are instructed to remain in the calling where they already are.  This is a far cry from secular thinking that encourages us to do our own thing as long as nobody gets hurt in the process! 

1Co 7:20  Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

1Co 7:21  Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

1Co 7:22  For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

1Co 7:23  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

1Co 7:24  Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. 

At times waiting and staying in one place can be the hardest challenge of all.  If we are working in the Kingdom of God we will be making a difference in the lives of others, and then likely the evil one will be hot on our trail.  We may be under so much persistent persecution and attack that we seek escape.  Yet, God is not done with us there, so we have to stay until He moves us on.  Even King David of the Old Testament was not free to move around, or make a career change.  He had to watch for his life since King Saul felt threatened and wanted him dead.  David hid in caves when he could have been enjoying the expanse of the beautiful countryside in which he was raised.  

Sometimes, we will know the course in life we must take yet still we are tempted to be drawn away and do something else or be someone else.  For myself, I know what my calling is and the work I must complete is clearly laid before me, and that is writing.  Yet, many other ideas and thoughts and suggestions will come my way, and interrupt my flow of writing.  Some of the stories I read in the book I mentioned above created in me a stir to change the course and pursue something less disciplined and more adventurous.  Then I knew that these thoughts were merely a distraction to create a sense of discontent, rather than strengthen and encourage me in my current task of writing.   

            Also, sometimes in life when we are busy, and working in the place we have been called, the world and people around us will pressure us to change.  If we not sure and committed to the calling we are in, we can get caught completely off guard and then discontent settles in and we aren't even aware of it.  This is where verse 23 (above) comes in:  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.  As servants of the Lord, we must remember that only in this capacity are we really completely free!!   

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 

So it is within the calling we are obeying that true freedom lies, whereas in the book I am reading, they believe that true freedom is being able to unshackle yourselves from an unpleasant job or situation and find true happiness!  Yes, happiness is something we all want, but it is so often temporary, and it does not mean true freedom.  True freedom does not depend on circumstances or fleeting moments of happiness, but is dependent on a personal and trusting relationship with the Lord.  He is the God of all creation Who loves us and died for us to give us life in the first place!  He knows our every desire and our every need even before we do! 

            When we first come to the Lord, every single person is given a gift and calling of some kind meant to fulfill not only the person receiving it/them, but also to bless others.   Think of it –if everyone suddenly got bored and for instance, left their calling to be married, or to be a parent, or a minister, or a nurse, a doctor or writer, etc. what a mess our world would be in! I am so thankful today for all the people in my life who stayed the course and remained true to their calling.  For if they hadn't, I certainly would likely not have been able to continue in mine.  I hope I can be as faithful and complete the work He has for me to do.  For true and lasting change always comes out of the struggles we go through, and through them, we come forth as gold.