Calm in the Chaos

Have you ever met one of those people who exude calmness and quietude? Despite the fact that they may be frantically busy and under pressure they always manage to appear as though nothing really bothers them. They frustrate the rest of us who rush around like headless chickens, and yet they are the ones we turn to in times of a crisis situation. Funny isn't it? We lambaste them for their apparent disorganization, their laid back ways, etc., and yet, in the long run they achieve just as much as we do – maybe more!

I have the privilege of knowing someone just like that. I am not saying that this person never worries about situations and even occasionally gets a trifle flustered, but there is a quiet strength and calm about them that never really leaves them. Until this morning I only had an inkling as to what the reason is for this person's behavior, and then I read Isaiah 30:15 "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says. "Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." That is when I got it!! The light-bulb moment revealed to me that this person's quietness and confidence is a direct result of walking with the Lord. This person has been through as many trials and difficulties as anyone else and yet one would not think so on first getting to know them.

So what does this mean for the rest of us? Simply that we are not turning to God, not trusting Him with all aspects of our lives. We say that God is the "pilot" in our life's journey, and yet we are constantly wrenching the controls out of His hands. By saying that we must 'trust God" with our daily lives, does not mean that we must live "fatalistically". Rather we need to deal with each day's difficulties as best we can, but trust that God, who does have our best interests in His heart, will see to the outcome of every situation.

When you are able to live your life fully resting in God's arms, then you too can be calm no matter what situations come your way. No-one is perfect, yet by trusting God we are given His strength to face life's challenges, and the result of choosing to do this will be that we too can become a calm haven in a world of chaos. We too, can lend our strength to others and have the calm assurance in our lives that, no matter what happens, God is ultimately in control.