Peace Amidst the Chaos
Let us rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
-W.H. Auden - September 1, 1939
Chaos—Everywhere.
Ukraine.
Gaza.
Politics.
The Church and Synodality.
If you hang out on any of the social sites or are plugged into the news, it is unsettling as it seems the world is burning. It’s chaotic. It is so damn noisy…a noise that is deafening and disheartening.
As King David observed: “The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalm 14:2-3 RSV)
Amen. Exactly.
King David’s grim words depict a humanity fallen into corruption and sin. His divine vantage point allows him to deliver a clear-eyed diagnosis of the human condition. When God gazes upon humankind, He finds no righteousness or true understanding.
This ancient psalm succinctly captures a spiritual truth reiterated throughout Scripture—the world lies under the power of sin and evil. Despite human progress, each generation drifts further into moral decay apart from God.
And even today, a cursory glance at any social post or news feed reveals the lingering effects of humanity's corruption…
If we are not careful, we will get caught in the swirling tempest of chaos. When this happens…we are gripped by fear. And when I speak of fear, I'm talking about the kind that seeps deep into our marrow, that pulses with every heartbeat, and results in racing thoughts. Ugh.
For followers of Christ, He calls us to confront and transcend our fears by placing our trust in Him. Easier said than done, heh?
Like a baseball bat smacking us in the head and heart, fear is a jarring blow that crushes our thoughts and emotions…
Think about it—the relentless storm of information, where every droplet is a piece of unsettling news tinted with shades of fear and chaos. With each torrential downpour, the brain, our internal barometer, becomes increasingly sensitized. Like a ship's captain navigating rough waters, our amygdala—our brain's watchtower—sounds frequent alarms, signaling potential threats.
This persistent barrage keeps our internal alarm system in overdrive, with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol constantly flooding our system. Instead of the occasional rush preparing us for action, we find ourselves perpetually on edge, our bodies always braced for the next wave. Our focus narrows, much like a lighthouse beam cutting through dense fog, making us hyper-aware of the chaos and blinding us to the occasional calm.
This heightened state of alert amplifies our perceptions, making every piece of news or social soundbite sound like a scream and casting shadows where there might be light. The perpetual tension might make us jittery, as if our bodies are forever waiting for a cue to act. And paradoxically, amidst this storm of constant bad news, we might find ourselves paralyzed, unable to chart a clear course forward. This unending tempest of negative information, if not navigated wisely, can erode our mental shores, underscoring the importance of seeking shelter and anchoring ourselves in hope and resilience.
In our walk with Christ, we often find ourselves navigating the complex landscape of faith and fear. Think of it as a tapestry where each thread has its place. Yet, sometimes, the threads of fear seem to pull tighter, obscuring the vibrant patterns of God's promises and faithfulness.
It is in the chaos and fear where a long shadow can be cast over our trust in God's providence. It's almost as if, in those moments, our spiritual vision becomes clouded, leading us to choices driven more by our anxieties than by the wisdom from above.
It's a curious thing—fear…it stirs up turmoil within, it simultaneously has the power to paralyze our spiritual progress. Oh, and by the way…fear sucks.
Maybe the words of Jesus in John 14:27 can give us the encouragement we need…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (RSV)
Jesus makes it clear that through faith in Him, we can experience a deep supernatural peace that transcends human understanding.
First, Jesus says “my peace I give you.” The peace He offers is not dependent on circumstances, but comes directly from Him. It’s a heavenly peace that only He can provide. Our security rests in His presence and control over our lives, not the absence of chaos, aka storms.
Second, He contrasts His peace with that of the world. Worldly peace is superficial and temporary. It relies on positive conditions and quickly evaporates when trials hit. But Christ’s peace remains steady, even in the midst of the most raging storm. It’s a “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 RSV
Finally, Jesus commands us to not let our hearts be troubled or afraid. Fear and faith cannot coexist for long. As we choose to trust in God’s power and promises, we rob fear of its power over us. His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
The noise of the world can often drown out the whispers of faith. Yet, it's precisely in those moments, when the winds of uncertainty blow the hardest, that Jesus's words beckon us towards a sanctuary of serenity. The peace He promises isn't a fleeting, momentary respite but a deep, abiding calm that anchors our souls.
Unlike the transient solace the world offers, which withers in the face of adversity, Christ's peace stands unwavering, a testament to His eternal love and grace. The call to "not let our hearts be troubled or afraid" is more than just comforting advice; it's a divine mandate to relinquish our anxieties and embrace the boundless peace He freely gives.
And as we immerse ourselves in this truth, we find that fear diminishes, overshadowed by a faith that's unyielding and resolute. The journey may be riddled with storms, but with Christ as our compass, we navigate with a peace that not only guards our hearts but lights our way.
Turn off the noise and let us rest in the Sacred Heart of our Jesus.