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Shownotes: Clarity in the Midst of Chaos
Boundaries and markers are being shifted and it seems that there is chaos everywhere as unpredictability leads to uncertainty, confusion and a sense of chaos. How to get clarity in the midst of chaos?
Our everyday lives can become chaotic even with the best intentions and planning. The unexpected disrupts and without awareness, chaos can sneak up on us. We have work, family, and other factors to deal with.
There is unrest in the environment that contributes to the noise as do the constant alerts we get on our devices. As a result, when we start the day we may have already added layers of noise that become the fertile breeding ground for chaos.
When we allow ourselves to be pressured into immediate actions and/or decisions we can contribute to the chaos in our lives. We often give in to the pressure out of insecurity.
Chaos can be internal and not only external. It can come from internalized anxiety and stress as well as our insecurities. Until we deal with the chaos within, we will find ourselves challenged to deal with the chaos without.
In the midst of all this, God says:
For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength
………………………………………………………………………..
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
19 Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. 20 Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 22 Then you will defile your silver-covered idols and your gold-plated images. You will scatter them like filthy rags; you will say to them, “Away with you” (Isaiah 30:15, 18 – 22).
Could we be as rebellious as the people to whom this was written, trusting in our own devices rather than God?
Getting Clarity in the Midst of Chaos
When we are dealing with chaos, when we are dealing with disorganization and/or disorder – a holy mess – people and pressure, we need a path out.
We need clarity to be effective at what we are doing, to be productive for the kingdom, to better help others and be our best, God’s best. That clarity comes from the quietness and rest God has for us. We get this by spending quality time with God, just being, and then going forth to do God’s bidding.
The truth is, when it comes to living with clarity in the midst of chaos, the choice before us is whether we will live from God’s center or from our center.
Chaos, disorder
threaten my path to life,
full life.
Seeking, losing the search,
lost amidst the many pieces
that tumble, jumble together,
leaving a confused trail
with no clear way out.
Chaos. It’s here, there and everywhere –
without, within . . .
Yet,
chaos, disorder
are not the last words
in my life,
my full life.
I will find clarity amidst the
disordered clutter of pieces
in my center in God.
I will return and rest.
Practical Tip
Do not give in to the pressure to make hasty decisions. Listen for God’s voice to know in which way to walk.
Now for your surprise: Here is a postcard that you can download to remind you to seek and get clarity in the midst of chaos. Click here to download, Or, contact me if you wish the hard copy.
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Bible Version
Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Music: “A True Friend” by Josh Molen
Podcast Guest Resources
Click here to access the resources podcast guests have given to help you live from God’s center.
Claire Annelise Smith, Phd, is a spiritual mentor and coach who empowers successful leaders to navigate life transitions with confidence, hope, and love. She helps clients maintain a strong connection with God, achieve personal and professional growth, and develop greater inner peace and resilience. Dr. Claire’s diverse background and transformative coaching methodology set her apart as an expert guide for those seeking clarity, purpose, and improved relationships.
Dr. Claire is also the founder of Strategic Lifestyle Connection, the platform through which she delivers her coaching, publications, and programs to empower successful leaders in transition.