• Privacy and Disclosure Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Jennifer Hayes Yates

  • Home
  • Shop
  • New Life
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Schedule
  • The FOCUSED 15 Challenge

Stability in the Midst of Chaos

July 13, 2016 By Jennifer H. Yates 3 Comments

13 Jul

I’m a planner. I have more calendars than I have time, and I write things down that I’ve already done just so I can cross them off my list. I plan my year, my month, my week, and each day in advance. And I always buy a new planner months before I finish the one I’m using. I thrive in organization and plans and lists.

So what happens when the world seems out of order and chaotic–when my plans for the future seem so uncertain? How do we deal with the confusion and instability that are all around  us?

Stability means “resistance to change; constancy of character; reliability.” For most of us to be emotionally stable, we need to know there are some things we can count on not to change–a spouse, a friend, a home, a job. But none of these things are guaranteed in life. We must find our security in something more stable. We need spiritual stability. Jesus told a great parable about just that thing.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24-27, NIV).

You see, following Jesus is the only sure foundation in a time of chaos and confusion. The One who created the world is the only One Who can guide us through times of instability and change. So how do we navigate the stormy waters?

Pray! I know in today’s world, that almost seems trite. Everyone prays, right? But the key here is to be in fellowship with the Lord, spending time with Him daily–not just crying out when we are in trouble. We have to build a foundation of faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, surrendering our lives to Him and walking with Him.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

Listen! Remember the parable we just read about the wise man who built his house on the rock? He heard the words of the Lord. We need to spend time in the Word of God every day. God’s Word has much to say about the times we are living in. The more we read and study the Bible and listen to preaching and teaching on the Word, the more we will understand how to respond during these times.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Obey! Jesus said in the parable that those who hear His Words and “[put] them into practice” are the ones who are on the rock. God’s Word is full of instruction, guidance, direction, and encouragement, but we have to obey what His Word says. When we do, we stay firmly planted on the rock of stability and safety.

“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

We are surely living in interesting times, but nothing takes God by surprise. Nothing shakes Him. Nothing can defeat Him. He is sovereign over all things. In times of uncertainty, there’s no better place to be than firmly anchored in the Rock.

My lists don’t always get crossed off; my plans in my calendar sometimes change. But I don’t have to be shaken because my stability is not rooted in my planner; it’s rooted in the character of my God. And He never changes.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

 

 

SHARE THIS:

28shares
  • Facebook 26
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: Prayer Tagged With: Bible study, Christian devotional, Jennifer H Yates, one thing, quiet time, seeking God, spiritual battle, spiritual warfare, Stability in the Midst of Chaos

« Persisting in Prayer
Rise Up, Women of God! »

About Jennifer H Yates

About Jennifer H Yates

Hey friends! I'm Jen--wife, mama, and empty-nester. I love to write, read, and drink coffee, especially with friends. I enjoy my family, my church, my small group, and most of all, my quiet time with Jesus. Come join me on this journey as we run after God together!

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Advertisement

Latest on Instagram

jenniferhyates

jenniferhyates


Worried and upset over many things? Jesus said onl
Worried and upset over many things? Jesus said only ONE THING is needed. Choose the better thing. #onething #atHisfeet #linkinbio ⁠

Instagram post 17983328917318191
Instagram post 17983328917318191

Everybody knows New Year’s resolutions are just
Everybody knows New Year’s resolutions are just promises made to be broken. I stopped making them a long time ago. But evaluating my spiritual life and doing a priority check? That’s something worth taking the time for as we begin a new year.⁠
⁠
Click #linkinbio ⁠
⁠
#bedeeplyrooted #prayerispowerful #praywithoutceasing #christianpost #christianblogger #womenintheword #livewithintention #shareyourheart #faithwriter #womenencouragingwomen #wordoflife #seekgoddaily #wordbeforeworld #jesusandcoffee #daughteroftheking #fiercelyhis #womenlivingwell #girlfriendsintheworld #faithblogger #givemejesus #graceupongrace #faithoverfear #seekhimfirst #growingyourfaith #womenoftheworld #intheword #lampandlight #shereadstruth #butfirstjesus

Last Scripture reading of 2020 and looking forward
Last Scripture reading of 2020 and looking forward to starting over tomorrow ❤️ #bibleinayear womenoftheword #wordbeforeworld #readthroughthebible

You want to study the Bible and grow your faith. I
You want to study the Bible and grow your faith. I know you do. And I know you want to start 2021 with a daily Bible habit. I also know that even when your heart is right, life can often get in the way.⁠
⁠
Groceries must be shopped, laundry folded, homework checked, meals prepared, work done, relationships built, ministry carried out. And even when we have the best of intentions, it’s really hard to stay consistent with an in-depth Bible study.⁠
⁠
But when we don’t stay in the Word, we don’t grow. Relationships are harder, work suffers, real ministry is impossible, and our hearts grow discontent. That’s because apart from HIM we can do nothing. And His Word is the truth we need to walk in day by day.⁠
⁠
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t have to just settle for the crumbs from the Master’s table. That’s a lie from the enemy. Instead, you can sit down and feast on His Word. Even if you are super busy.⁠
⁠
Click link in bio for rest of article and to sign up for the free challenge!⁠
⁠
#prayerwarrior #bedeeplyrooted #prayerispowerful #praywithoutceasing #christianpost #christianblogger #womenintheword #livewithintention #shareyourheart #faithwriter #womenencouragingwomen #wordoflife #seekgoddaily #wordbeforeworld #jesusandcoffee #daughteroftheking #fiercelyhis #womenlivingwell #girlfriendsintheworld #faithblogger #givemejesus #graceupongrace #faithoverfear #seekhimfirst #growingyourfaith #womenoftheworld #intheword #lampandlight #shereadstruth #butfirstjesus

Instagram post 17867036609237476
Instagram post 17867036609237476


Load More...


Follow on Instagram


This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.