Calm in the Midst of Chaos

Life can throw us many curveballs. As we navigate a global pandemic, bringing with it much uncertainty, loss and isolation, stress and anxiety seems largely unavoidable for our world. Even the Word of God tells us we shall “have many troubles in this world”, reminding us that anxieties will come, and there will be plenty of them!

However, what else is promised in the Bible is a peace from God as we trust Him despite these troubles. What good news!

The ‘peace’ described in Philippians is the Greek word ‘eirënë’ which means “more than living a life with no conflict or being quiet, still, and at rest. It is used for the calmness that a nation or city enjoys when it has a caring, competent, and secure leader.”

Imagine it like this: there is a boat amidst a storm, and you are a passenger. Despite the danger and turmoil the storm brings, as a passenger you have a stillness inside knowing everything is okay — you know who the captain is. 

You know the captain is in charge, and entirely in control. What’s more, the captain is good, the captain is caring, he is all-knowing and all-powerful! There is no circumstance your captain cannot steer you away from and into safety. Despite the nature of the storm, he is skillful and masterful to see you through. This is the peace we have through the Holy Spirit and what Paul describes in every situation — even those that are most challenging and anxiety-ridden. 

This is a peace we have in knowing our “caring, competent and secure leader” is with us. Jesus, our captain in the storm.

In fact, Saint Mark exclaims that Jesus rebuked the storm speaking “Peace, be still!” bringing “a great calm” —  What peace must be accessible to us that even the winds obey Him and still at His word! 

He is the One called the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isa. 9:7)! Our ruler is not only characterised by His peaceful nature but promises us the same peaceful nature as we follow Him, allowing His Holy Spirit to reign in our lives.

Can you recall a time when God saw you through a storm in your life and offered you peace in a place of anxiousness? How can you remember that Jesus is the captain of your life to draw on the fruit of peace in your heart today? 

Prayer:

Father God, by Your Holy Spirit, I invite your peace into my heart, soul, and mind today as I rest in the truth of Your Son — The Prince of Peace and the captain of my boat in every sea. Faithful and true, I trust Him and this brings me peace like none other. Thank You, God for His gift of peace. Amen.