Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing God can give you calm in chaos

Seeking Calm in the Chaos
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

—Mark 4:38-39 (NIV)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a crowd?

There I stood in a mass of people, waiting to gain entrance to my son’s first college orchestra concert. The swirl of noise and the sea of bodies set my senses on overload as, all around me, the jostling and high-pitched laughter shifted into high gear, buzzing with festivity. While I knew I was in a safe place, still my heart began to thud and my skin to tingle.

Breathe, I told myself.

There before me, my eyes rested on the wall where someone had painted an artful tree trunk. The blues and greens and teals blended together in a whirl of delicate design, and I admired the artwork as I focused on my breathing. Soon the joy I felt in simple admiration crowded out the swirl of sensation all around me. Peace settled in and took over, and slowly yet blissfully I began to relax. All was well once more.

Chaos can do that sometimes, can’t it? Yet no matter what, even in the scariest, most chaotic, most crazy of crazy times, we can achieve a sense of peace and calm by remembering the most basic of truths: No matter what, we are not alone because Jesus Christ is with us every step of the way. The Bible tells us over and over again that our Lord is Lord over all creation, commanding even the toughest and most harrowing situations. We know the disciples felt tremendous fear when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, and their small boat was tossed about the waves, water rushing over them. We can read about this Bible story in Mark 4:38-39. The Bible says that Christ’s response to the peril his disciples were experiencing was to rebuke the wind and waves, commanding it to be quiet and still. As a result, the wind and the waves obeyed. After all, their Creator, the Word come to the world in the flesh, always prevails (John 1:14).

He does this even still … in the storms around us today, in the chaos of the crowd, in the terror of the darkest nights. We might not be able to feel Him around us, commanding the chaos to quiet and be still, but we can trust that He is there, working for and within us. Now and always.

The Bible says this over and over, and it’s a truth we can trust. We can read about this throughout Scripture. Here are a few key verses to remember …

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” (Psalm 107:29-31).

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).

If you are in the middle of the storm—whether the anxiety of a crowd or a harrowing, dreadful ordeal—take a moment to breathe and remember: You belong to the King of the Universe, and He loves you with a wildly extravagant and generous love filled with mercy, compassion, and perfect strength.

All is well.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the extraordinary love You have for me. Please help me remember that no matter what I experience, no matter what I fear, You are mightier than anything else. I can put my trust in You now and always. I don’t need to fear. I simply need to focus on You and have faith that all will be well, now and forevermore. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Your Love Is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Firm Foundation (He Won’t)" [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Sometimes He Calms the Storm" by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden and the 2024 Florida Christian Writers Contest SonShine Award for her novel, Hidden Seeds. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

This year, she’s released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent. Learn more about Jessica’s fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. 

Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.