How do I thrive in chaos?

There is no doubt that this world is full of chaos and that peace and rest are a rare commodity. Most of us are surrounded by chaos and have to live with the stress that it brings day in and day out. But is this just a part of life, or is this a deception that says that it's just our lot, that it's what we have to put up with? Is there more to life than constant stress where chaos reigns and the continuous demands that the world puts on us?

Indeed, there must be a place where we can find freedom from the stress of life, where we can be the people we are intended to be, free from the chaos or, better still, above the chaos. Can we not push through what seems like an endless storm into still waters, solid ground, and the comfort of a harbour?

Many have sought this and have tried to find it through escapism, running away, or even putting their heads in the sand trying to ignore it. Others have pursued meditation, mysticism, and even religion to make sense of the turmoil of life and still come up short. And they are still in the melee of conflict, suffering with all that the world throws at them.

Truth be told, we all suffer these things in this world, and our lives reflect the fact that we live in a world that appears to have been birthed out of chaos and continues to operate in it.

But here's the thing: chaos isn't permanent; it isn't something to be expected, accepted, or yielded to. Chaos is to be opposed and pushed through; it is to be defeated and usurped. Chaos is the enemy of our soul, and we must not succumb to its will but stand against it and overcome it.

And how on earth do we do that? How do we face chaos and see a way through? How do we break free from its clutches, rise above and break out of it? It isn't by your effort or your own strength. It is by receiving an exchange of peace for chaos, rest for stress and contentment for anxiety. Yes, these qualities can be received and are freely given, but you need to know they are available first. And so they are, for in Philippians 4:7, we read that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So, if you want to thrive in chaos, look to Jesus. He has the answer, the way through and the solution.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Now, when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly, a great tempest arose on the sea so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marvelled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:23-27