It’s hard to believe Christmas is already behind us, and here we are, approaching the beginning of a new year. There’s something fresh about January. We have the promise of new beginnings, resolutions, and commitments. And yet, there’s also the reality that the world is as chaotic as ever. Recently, I came across a statement: “The world can be chaotic; get your own world in order.” It made me stop and reflect. What does it mean to put our world in order in a world that seems more unpredictable each day? And how do we do that amid the chaos?
Chaos is an unavoidable part of life. Much of what we encounter daily is outside our control, from personal stresses to the broader issues facing society. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we’re bombarded with problems that are too big to solve on our own. Yet, as believers, we have a choice. We either let the chaos dictate our responses or control what we can within ourselves.
Jesus teaches us a powerful principle in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse calls us to shift our focus. We must keep our eyes on God, not the disorder around us. Instead of trying to make sense of every chaotic detail, we’re reminded to look up and pursue God’s righteousness. It’s a reminder that our role is not to put the darkness in order but to let our light shine in it.
So, how do we become that light? It starts within our own hearts. Self-discipline, trust in God, and a commitment to living out our faith daily can transform our inner world even if the outer world remains in disarray. As we seek to align our lives with God’s will, we reflect His peace and hope to others. In Romans 12:2, we’re called not to “conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” By focusing on God’s truth, we can live counter to the chaos and, in turn, be a steady presence for those around us.
Our influence, however, isn’t limited to just ourselves. God calls us to reach out to those in our lives: our families, our friends, and our communities. This influence begins with the small steps we take in our own lives, which ripple outward. Jesus calls His followers the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14), emphasizing our role in shaping and influencing those around us through His love and truth.
As this new year begins, let’s focus on the areas we can control, which are our faith, actions, and words, and entrust the rest to God. The world may be chaotic, but we can be calm amid the storm with our hearts rooted in Him. Yes, “The world can be chaotic; get your own world in order.” Let’s allow our renewed lives to be a beacon for others, pointing them to the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!