Lost in Chaos
We have all been there. The overwhelmed feeling we get when we look and evaluate all that is happening in the world around us, and all we see is chaos and uncertainty. I have equated this feeling to being hit by a wave or, more importantly, what I would call a wave of chaos which is quickly followed by a wave of uncertainty. As these waves continue to wash over us, they cause us to feel lost, beat down, and make us wonder if we will ever make it through a given situation.
Many of us have been to the beach before and experience the joy that can occur when we play in the ocean. However, there are times when a storm causes the waves to become too powerful. When these waves crash over us, they hit with a force that sparks a moment of fear. While we might be able to withstand the onslaught of multiple powerful waves, there comes a moment when our strength begins to fail, and our body begins to hurt from the crushing weight of the swell. If we don't respond soon and adjust to our current situation, the waves will overwhelm us, and we could be washed out to sea.
Living through a season of chaos is never fun and can shake us to our core. How can we weather the storm of chaos that brings the crushing weight of life's waves?
For many, our first response is to put our heads down and weather the storm, but this is not sustainable. Like the waves at the beach, we will get washed away by the force and pressure asserted on us. If relying on our strength is not enough, then what can we turn to? For many, they turn to worldly options such as alcohol, sexual pleasure, and even food, to name a few. For instance, a Harvard study showed that the chaos created from the pandemic brought about a 58% increase in heavy drinking. Why is this the case? I would hazard a guess that when people turn to worldly solutions to battle chaotic situations, the desire is to deaden their feelings. If one can not feel for a few hours and can forget their current situation, it will help them lessen the pressure caused by their current situation. However, here is the reality, seeking worldly solutions does not help in the long term, and it will undoubtedly fall short. As soon as the buzz from the alcohol leaves, the reality of the world will come crashing down again. The problem was not fixed but just avoided!
Our best option is to stop relying on our strength and the world's remedies and allow God to help us grow through the situation. This can be a difficult challenge because God typically does not remove us from our troubles. However, if we are willing to surrender ourselves to his leading and place our complete trust in Him, the long-term benefits are more significant than and short-term option that the world might offer.
The author of Proverbs reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-8 to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones" (ESV). It is time for us to stop leaning on our understanding and allow God to make straight our paths. Trusting in His perfect time and not wavering when things do not align with what we think is our ideal plan. God is inviting us on a journey of trust, and when the waves of chaos come crashing down, He is asking us not to lean on our own understanding but to put our trust in him. The question is, are you willing to take that leap of faith and surrender complete control? The choice is yours!