Chaos is no match for our God. From the first pages of the Bible, we read of His power over chaos. When the whole planet was without form and void, God’s spirit brooded over the chaotic waters and overcame them. He brought light into the darkness and land for humans out of the waters. Our God is the Master of chaos.
In God’s Word, the metaphor often used to describe chaos is “the deep” or “the waters.” We can easily grasp why this communicates to our understanding: fish and other sea creatures are made for water, but humanity is not. Humanity is meant to dwell upon land. Humans cannot thrive in a watery or chaotic world; we need land, a firm foundation beneath our feet that is gently watered with fresh water from God’s heavens.
Chaos shows up when humans rebel against God. Noah’s flood came about after the collective heart of humanity was “only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). The Tower of Babel disintegrated into chaotic language when the people sought to build a tower to God’s realm (essentially to claim His territory). It’s also worth noting that when Israel was rescued from Egypt, they passed through the raging seas to safety. Once we grasp the link between violence, water, and chaos, whole sections of Scripture take on a deeper meaning.
The Psalms have many references or allusions to this concept:
“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)
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. 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.” (Psalm 107:28-30)
There is ample evidence that raging seas, chaotic waters, and boisterous environments are no match for the power of our God. The raging seas of confusion and terror may swell up around us, but in the end, our God will prevail. Here is Job, in one of his poetic responses to his well-meaning companions, as he expounds upon the might and power of our God:
“He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in His anger. He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; He seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.” (Job 9:5-8)
God openly exhibits His might and strength throughout creation. Jesus did likewise when he demonstrated to all the powers of the universe that, like his Father, he too had power over creation. He spoke, and the chaotic sea calmed down. He sent Peter down to the shore to pick up a tax payment from the mouth of a fish. At his word, a tree dried up overnight and died. The storm, the fish, and even the plant were obedient to the command of Jesus. Like Father, like Son. Jesus understood whose he was, and we should do likewise.
“Jesus gave them this answer: ‘Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.’” (John 5:19-20)
When the Apostle Paul was aboard a ship taking him to stand trial in Rome, a terrific storm arose to destroy him and everyone on board. The chaotic waters enveloped them, and everyone on board knew death was certain. But an angel appeared to Paul and encouraged him.
“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” (Acts 27:23-25)
Today, you and I are nearly enveloped in a civilization of chaos. Evil is called good, wrongs go unpunished, and victims go without justice. Every form of darkness is generally accepted as evidence of a “progressive” culture. Amidst it all, we can have peace in the storm. Like Jesus and Paul, we have the greatest anchor of life: WE KNOW WHO WE BELONG TO.
We belong to the One who treads upon the seas, the One who makes the sun stand still at His word. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. So let us remember that our God is always with us and for us. May we all think and live in the comfort of that truth, and may we make Paul’s prayer our very own. Though he was in prison and likely on death row, he encouraged us with these words:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
“The Lord is near!”
Trusting in Him,
