Being Still Inside While There Is Chaos Outside
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
The writer of Hebrews tells us to live in peace and to be holy. Can being holy help us live in peace when there is chaos all around us? How can we communicate with someone who is in a highly excitable emotional state?
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18). If we find ourselves in contact with a person who is in a chaotic, emotional state our goal is not to increase the chaos but to remain peaceful inside and calm the chaos. If we respond calmly, with empathy, we can sometimes maintain control and possibly defuse the situation in a gentle, respectable way. This is a time when we seek to be closer to the Lord than we are to the world around us. We need to respond with Godly wisdom. In this way we remain holy in an unholy environment. If we respond in anger, or even in the wrong tone of voice, we will likely increase the chaos.
In some situations, it is wise to simply leave when the people around us are engaged in a heated argument. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) It is possible to respond with Godly wisdom through gentleness and respect and still have no affect on the other person. There are some people who are so emotionally charged that only time can calm them. We are not responsible for such people and sometimes it is best not to get involved.
Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. Because of this, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. (Ephesians 5:16-17) We always reflect Christ even in the midst of chaos. If such an event occurs, understand the Lord’s will by asking the Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and courage. These chaotic events can be a great opportunity for displaying Christ-like behavior. It is important that we remain calm and respond with Godly wisdom through gentleness in our tone and choice of words. Jesus is revealed through the empathy in our hearts.
Today, if you encounter a chaotic situation with emotionally charged people, use this time to draw close to the Lord. It may be a prime time to reflect the Lord’s wisdom, peace, patience, and empathy. Ask the Lord for wise words and for his peace to dwell in all those involved.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to remain calm and focused on you when the world around me is chaotic. Help me to not feed into the angry, emotional state of this world around me, but allow me to reflect your wisdom and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.