Finding Peace Despite a Chaotic Day

Starting off early, it already felt like one of those days. chaos in your world

The morning got off to a rocky start when a new tool I’d been hoping to use to save lots of time decided that it wasn’t going to work for me. Maybe work a little bit, but not as much as I was hoping.

And then I just had this weight hit me – the world is spinning out of control!

I’m nearly two months behind on half a dozen projects. Everyone on my team is running at full speed, which means I can’t give things away. I’m just not sure how to get anything more done.

Have you ever had one of those days?

I was talking with a friend the same afternoon about some of the things he was working through. Interestingly enough, I found these words coming out of my mouth. “You know, even when you feel like the world is spinning out of control, it’s still in HIS control.”

Wait a minute, where did that wisdom come from?

I didn’t have that confidence when I was facing my own chaos. Of course not, because it’s often easier to see clearly when you’re outside the situation. Imagine a tornado. From the outside of the funnel, it can almost be a thing of beauty. Outside the funnel, it seems like all things are calm. But inside the funnel, man, talk about spinning out of control!

The same night, I was reading in Joshua chapter 23 –

“One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as He promised.”

When you’re facing a whirlwind or a mountain of activity that you aren’t sure how you’ll get through, remember this. When God is in control, He works everything out for your good. And despite the look of things (one versus a thousand?), He will bring the victory.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2014

20140120-104134.jpg

So many of Dr. King’s words echo across modern history. This quote specifically struck me as powerful for today. When obstacles get in the way, we have to persevere and ask God to help us keep pushing forward to achieve His purpose in our lives. Hebrews 11 lists the “Hall of Faith”, leaders who followed God whether they received the promise or not. Some of us may never see the fulfillment of our life’s work, but faith is pressing forward despite what we see.

Perspective

imageHappy New Year! There’s something about a new year that lends itself to feelings of a fresh start. Dormant projects, unfinished from the past; unmet goals, missed due to lack of execution or insufficient plans; unfulfilled desires; these all seem to have the potential for new life as we enter a new year. What changes?

I think one thing that is different as a new year begins is our perspective: the way we look at our situation. A new year is a milestone and challenges that were large last year look less significant as we pass that new year mark. Last year, I had trouble, but “this year things will be different”.

How can you re-align your perspective to match God’s perspective on your situation-new year or otherwise? My devotional this morning took me to Matthew 6, which reminded me that being anxious about my situation does not help. If I seek God first and His kingdom, all of my other needs would be met; not through my own striving, but through His grace.

Take time as you start this year to get God’s perspective on your business, ministry, relationships, and personal well-being. That should shape your resolutions and planning for the New Year!