Spinning Out of Control

On this Messy Monday, our tip today does not focus strictly on housekeeping, but on when life in general turns a little messy. May today's post bless and encourage you.

When something happens that causes us to stop the cruise control of smooth sailing--whether it's unexpected news or a day quickly spiraling out of control before our eyes--it is hard to find time to breathe and come out of the chaos. What is our response in those moments?

I just returned from a Women of Faith conference, where a major theme was trust: trust in the heart of who God is all the time. No matter what is happening, God is all-loving and all-powerful. While it is fair to wonder why He permits us to go through something, we must know His love for each of us and His plans for our lives are never in question. Never once. He has promised that all things will work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

So going back to our response in moments of chaos...

First, I think we must pray. Take time out from a situation full of potential anxiety to acknowledge the Lord and pray for His guidance in the situation. Ask for His glorious plan to be revealed through it.

Second, focus. Find one thing--one very practical thing--you can do to make a tangible difference right now. Whether it be counseling, cleaning, or comforting, focus on one thing you can do immediately to help spread a path through the chaos.

Third, HALT! I heard this acronym the other day which stands for "Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired." When you (or someone in your home) is displaying any (or all) of those emotions, just stop. Meet those immediate needs. Often that will help bring clarity to chaos.

I have always loved the verse in Ephesians 3:20, which was the theme verse of the conference. It says, "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" (From the Message Bible translation, as quoted at the conference).

In times of chaos, it is helpful to remember--however much the moment feels like a big "whoops"--God can bring something glorious out of it. He is the Redeemer. The Redeemer of situations and of people. The chaos is not out of His control, however messy it feels in the moment.

May God bless you and guide you today.