Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Writen by: Charlie Grandy
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
Let’s face it: for many of us, it seems like life is filled with daily demands on our time, calls for our attention, challenges that range the gamut from financial to relational, health-related to career-impacting, spiritual to those impacting our family and friends and countless others. Beyond that, we experience a growing worry for the world at large and our communities as we hear news reports that are often (much) less than positive. And if we’re being honest with ourselves (regardless of our political persuasion), it may be that life seems a bit turbulent and uncertain in this period of our history. In short, life can be challenging.
Most recently, I have been reflecting on the way society continues to evolve to offer an ever-increasing and seemingly endless number of information sources that demand our immediate attention and increase our blood pressure. With 24/7 news programming constantly screaming “breaking news,” more TV and streaming channels than ever before, countless social media outlets (whether Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, etc.) – all competing for our time and attention and advertising themselves as the key to our very lives and existence – you might find yourself on information and anxiety overload. Indeed, part of the formula for ratings and subscribership is to provide content that draws our instant attention, increases our heart rate, and incentivizes us to “be connected” around the clock.
But against that backdrop and the challenges it creates for us and society, be reminded of this simple truth: God calls us to quiet and rest. Indeed, the Bible is replete with examples calling us to quiet our minds and souls to find rest and God’s peace. Isaiah 30:15 reminds us that “in quietness and trust [in God] is your strength,” and Psalm 62:5 further emphasizes that “for God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” Jesus also modeled the need to quiet our souls throughout his life (e.g., “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35)). And, of course, God offers us His example of intentionally taking time to rest from the very beginning of time, as “on the seventh day he rested from all his work . . . [and] blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested” (Genesis 2:2-3).
How about you? Do you take time to find the quiet in your life, to turn off your phone along with the news and other media outlets that so easily distract us and rest in the knowledge that God is present and in control? While there are many ways to find quiet and refresh our souls, know that the Y offers a chapel as you come through its entrance that is designed to encourage you to take time, find quiet, reflect on God’s presence and refresh your soul from the challenges of life. Beyond that, the Y also offers volunteer chaplains to support you in prayer and other spiritual needs.
Take time. Be still. Know that He is God (and in control.)
