Peace & Gratitude in Chaos

The month of November is typically a time when we specifically focus our attention on gratitude.  Afterall, it is the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving.  What about when our “normal” is completely upside down?  How can we practice gratitude when life is not great?

Many of us think of gratitude in terms of profound life events or amazing circumstances.  Well, what happens when life doesn’t slow down, the deadlines stack up, and the detours arrive when we are already weary? Do we find the privilege in the middle of the mess? Do we focus on the small wins or are we overcome with the chaos of it all? When we pause long enough to say, “Thank you” in the middle of our uncertainty, something within us shifts.  I believe practicing gratitude re-orients our hearts toward the goodness of God.  It reminds us that He is still working and writing our stories.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLT) Notice, scripture does not say that everything is good, it says God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him. 

Colossians 3:15 states, “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace and always be thankful.” (NLT).  God’s peace isn’t something we muster up by pretending everything is fine. It’s something He gives us. A peace that doesn’t make sense to anyone else.  Intertwined with peace is gratitude.  Not for the chaos itself – but for the God who promises to walk every step with us.  

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s keep a proper perspective. Chances are, you’ve overcome battles in the past and this too, shall pass. Challenges don’t have to break us, they can build us.  Don’t think of setbacks as delays but rather as re-direction.  Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the pain, it’s choosing to focus on our blessings.

If your world is loud and unpredictable, like mine, take a deep breath.  Invite Jesus into the noise.  Let gratitude become your worship, your peace, your anchor.  Focus on your blessings: air in your lungs, a warm drink on a cold day, a roof over your head, a moment of stillness in a busy, hurried life because even in the chaos, He is still God and that is enough.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for losing sight of the many blessings you’ve given us. Father please restore our peace in the midst of this chaos.  Thank you, Lord, for every single blessing you’ve given us, even those blessings currently in disguise.  Help us Lord to not worry, but to pray about everything and to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you will use all things to work together for our good.  Help us to remember that chaos doesn’t get the final say, you do.   We love you, Lord.  In your name, Amen.

I encourage you to take a moment, grab your journal or a post-it note and write down one thing that feels chaotic in your life; one thing you’re grateful for right now and one way you see God gently holding you through your chaos.  

Psalm 138: 1-3

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;

I will sing your praises before the gods.

I bow before your holy temple as I worship.

I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness,

Because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.

• Written by Wendy Reynolds, Kingman, Az