Daily Journal: 13 September

In the Aftermath of Chaos

When we distance ourselves from truth, we are at war.

Isaiah 59:14 (NLV)

What is right and fair is turned back. What is right and good stands far away. Truth has fallen in the street, and what is right cannot come in.

When life is cheapened because insecurity rises so high it must silence what it fears, we are at war.

Proverbs 1:20-22 (NLV)

Wisdom calls out in the street. She lifts her voice in the center of town. There she cries out in the noisy streets. At the open gates of the city she speaks: “O foolish ones, how long will you love being foolish? How long will those who laugh at others be happy in their laughing? How long will fools hate much learning?

When nations or individuals are attacked and silenced for their presence, for their beliefs, we are at war. When we perceive we are enemies simply because we disagree, we are at war. When we choose hate over love, antagonism over peace, vitriol over freedom, we are at war.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV)

…encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

In the middle of confusion, in the face of rage, in the wake of fear, in the aftermath of chaos, we trust in the ways of the Lord, in the power and the righteousness of the One who saves.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLV)

if My people who are called by My name put away their pride and pray, and look for My face, and turn from their sinful ways, then I will hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

What are you most afraid of? Chaos and disorder? Freedom? Loss of personal reputation?

In the aftermath of chaos, in the hopelessness of misdirection, seek God, seek wisdom, seek whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just and true, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute. If there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Lord help us to trust you in the aftermath of chaos. Help us to trust you in a world that is experiencing more disasters, less balance and stability, a world that loves to hate and seeks outrage instead of peace. Help us to call on your name, turn from leaning on the world messages, and trust ourselves to your eternal power and goodness.