Chaos to Trust.

I was listening to a sermon from Pastor Joe Bryant today and instantly had to stop and start writing. Things can become crazy in our lives. I mean look at all the stuff we endure and do. Work, home, kids, pets, hobbies, constantly having to go here and there. It's like a friend of mine mentioned to me the other day, we never really stop to breathe much less find peace.

When things get crazy we tend to focus on those things. Instant focus on the chaos. Like laser focus. We cry out to God, "Where are you - Why is this happening - Help!" Like with Peter, we begin to focus on the waves and the storm. I have had to shift my focus from the storm to Christ over and over. Recently, it's been more than not.

CHANGE YOUR WORDS.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

Where are you, God?

We constantly ask this where were in the midst of these terrible circumstances. Instead of asking God where He is, we should probably check our scripture a little closer. Let's jump into the word. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

    

When we get in those moments when you don't know if God is even there, remember these scriptures. God never leaves us. He is always with us. There is no reason for us to wonder if God is still there. Because he is! These scriptures prove it. Not to mention, when Jesus died on the cross the veil was torn into the holy of holies and we were able to enter the presence of God.

We have to change our phrase from "why is this happening" to "I don't know what you are doing, but I trust you." I put up a quote earlier about changing our chaos to an opportunity to choose trust. We can look at our circumstances and get frustrated. We can run around trying to fix every little detail. Stress ourselves out. Or we can trust. We can trust that God is doing something to benefit us. Even if the pain is unbearable.

Nothing that happens isn't known by God. Good or bad. Everything is known. We can trust or live in turmoil. I'm not the best at doing the RIGHT thing. I am a pessimistic person. (Shock entered here) I am instantly seeing the worst of the situation. Everything is going to go wrong. It's never going to be good. Seriously, ask Justin. It's disgusting. 

I, myself, have to learn to trust God in ALL situations. I have to be able to say it is well even when I don't feel it. But it comes down to a choice. We have a choice to live in the chaos, turmoil, and doubt. OR we can live in peace, calm, and trust. The choice is up to you and you alone. But know that IT IS A CHOICE!