5 Ways to Navigate the Chaos of Your Life
It wasn’t really expected.
Maybe it should have been.
However, I never saw it coming.
In the span of about 24 hours, several crazy storms collided together to form the perfect storm in my little world.
Several close relatives (including my son) contracted COVID. Also, unexpected doors closed and some unexpected bills appeared—all as the noises of crazy politics were streaming in the background.
When I woke up the morning after all of the waves, winds, waters, and issues all clashed and clamored into my world, I began to pray.
My prayer was simple… what do I do with all of this, Lord?
Maybe you’ve been there lately as well, wondering what to do with the anxiety, the crazy, exhausting, and the unbelievable things in your life.
It’s possible you have also prayed as I did asking God what you should do with the chaos.
As I began to pray, open the Bible, and journal, a few very simple thoughts formed. I share them with you today because they have helped me so much.
Here are 5 ways to navigate the chaos of your life:
First, talk to God about the chaos of your life.
Open your mouth, your heart, your notebook, and tell God what you are feeling. Dump out the cares of your life onto Him.
He is well-able to listen and handle your concerns!
Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”
In Psalm 62:8, we are encouraged with these words, “Pour out your heart to him, for God, is our refuge.”
So, take everything that is on your heart, driving you crazy, waking you up, and disturbing your peace and talk to God about it!
Second, praise God right in the middle of the chaos of your life.
Yes. I said praise.
In Psalm 95:1-2, we are told, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
We don’t praise God because things are great, we praise Him because He is great!
Indeed, we don’t worship God because we like everything that’s happening around us, we worship Him because He is still completely in control of everything.
So, to get your praise muscles flexing, try this activity.
Start with the letter A, and praise God for the attributes you appreciate that start with the letter, A. Do the same with B and continue through the alphabet.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
A – Awesome, Amazing, Able, Astounding
B – Blessed, Big, Bountiful, Beloved
C – Caring, Compassionate, Creator, Close
Third, turn on some inspirational music and let it move you!
Music has the power to stir our souls and lead us to hope.
There is something about the lyrics, the notes, the chords, the rhythms, and the melodies that can lift us up.
You can find music on your phone, on the radio, on old records, old CD’s, on YouTube, or on a music service. Many of our cable services also offer music stations.
Here are a few types of music to try:
· Christian/Gospel Music
· Instrumental/Classical Music
· Christmas Music
· Old Favorites
· Any music that lifts you up and inspires you
Fourth, get outside during the chaos of your life.
There is something about getting outdoors that makes everything seem better.
When we see God’s creation and remember how powerful He is, life seems more bearable.
Colossians 1:16-17 reminds us, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
So, take a walk, sit on the porch, work in the yard, drive with the windows down, or play with your kids outside.
You will feel better!
Finally, try a change of scenery during the chaos of your life.
In the crazy days of this year, a change of scenery is greatly effective and helpful.
Why not get out of the house and go somewhere else?
Even if money is tight, here are a few suggestions:
· Head to a local park to walk or ride bikes.
· Find a place to hike and get out in the woods.
· Find a restaurant serving outdoors, and go out to eat.
· Take a drive through a pretty area of your city.
· Go visit friends/family members.
· Stay one night at a hotel or rental property – just to getaway.
· Get out and take pictures together in your area.
· Meet a friend and walk together 6 feet apart.
· Visit an outdoor or drive-up church.
· Go to the drive-in movies.
· Visit a holiday lights display in your area.
· Come up with a service project you can do as a family – rake your neighbor’s leaves.
· Walk in your neighborhood together or all by yourself.
· Check your local paper for activities that are still happening in your area that will get you out of the house.
There is something refreshing about a change of scenery.
It will do you so much good to get out of your house!
Conclusion:
As I’m writing this article, I’m happy to let you know that my son and other family members are all healing and feeling much better.
Those closed doors can stay closed because I believe God just has something better.
In addition, those extra bills have been paid. Thankfully.
As for the politics, that one is out of my control. I voted, and now I pray.
Honestly, my plan is to enter this holiday season praying, praising, moving to inspiring music, getting outside as much as possible and enjoying a change of scenery as often as possible.
How about you?
How will you enter this season?
Thanks so much for inviting me to be a part of your ministry today! I'm very blessed by you~ Melanie
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, You are very welcome!
DeleteThank you so much for sharing this encouragement with my readers. I'm sure it blessed all who read it.
So grateful for your ministry.
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips. In my life, prayer has been an irreplaceable part of getting through chaos and hard times. I also love that you included music on this list. That's not one I always think about, but it's so true! It really can lead us to hope.
ReplyDeleteHi Marielle, Indeed! Melanie has shared many helpful tips for navigating the chaos in our lives.
DeleteMay the God of hope fill us all with joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Melanie, I find changing scenery and appreciating God's creation can be very helpful in times of chaos. I'm so glad your family and friends are on the mend.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteIndeed, Melanie's suggestion to change our scenery to appreciate God's creation does help us to change our focus to our good, good Heavenly Father.
In the chaos that began in my life in 2019, and 2020 not much better, I have found reading scripture and staying in tune with God. And, as with your suggestion when the panic begins to take over going out for a walk or just being outdoors is settling. Thanks for sharing all your points today. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHi Peabea! Indeed! Reading the Word and focusing on God are the most centering things we can do, ESPECIALLY in the years we have found ourselves in.
DeleteThis year I didn't realize how much walking in the woods lifts my spirits. That was a blessing of 2020. I headed for the woods where social distancing is easy where I discovered how settled I feel in that environment.
Melanie certainly gave us some wonderful ways to navigate the chaos of our lives. I appreciated her sharing her words of wisdom here.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is so good because who among us hasn't felt a lot of extra chaos this year! I'm glad your son is recovering from covid well. My neighbor currently has it but so far he's doing okay (not great, but okay). Praying for all affected by the chaos we're living through.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to feature your post at my blog tomorrow for the Grace & Truth linkup. I'm sure many people can be as encouraged as me by these five things you offer.
DeleteHi Linda, Indeed! I was so thankful to see what Melanie chose to share about on my blog through this guest post. :-)
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your neighbor, but glad he is doing "okay".
Thanks so much for featuring this post at Grace and Truth. I'm sure Melanie will appreciate that!
Thanks for stopping by.
Ladies, thank you for sharing this story. I'm guessing we can each find a bit of ourselves in your tender words.
ReplyDelete#2 … praising God in the chaos.
That’s been my sanity and my hope this year.
Hi Linda, Indeed!
DeletePraise truly is such a powerful tool in our spiritual discipline toolbox.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Great insightz, Melanie and Karen, but even more so, I appreciate this glimpse of the dark side of a very vibrant Christian life. God is active even there.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, Indeed! Melanie has left us with excellent ways to navigate the chaos of our lives.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by!