Question (from Facebook community): “My life is a mess and my thought life is matching it. How can I experience peace in the midst of all the chaos?”

Living in a difficult marriage, going through a separation or divorce or just being human can lead us to this place of external and internal chaos. At church this morning, I was struck by this thought, though, while singing an old hymn … we can choose for all to be well deep down inside.

As I stood in my church sanctuary this morning, my mind was filled simultaneously with the intended-for-my-harm chaos imposed upon me this week, yet again, along with why I was able to sing – and actually believe – that it is well with my soul.

So if your life is a mess beyond description today but you have Christ as your Savior, remind yourself of these foundational truths.

You are loved. (John 3)
You are redeemed. (Galatians 3)
You are covered over by grace. (Ephesians 2)
You are seen. (Genesis 16)
You are being healed. (Jeremiah 30)
Your Maker is your Husband. (Isaiah 54)
You are protected. (Genesis 28)
You are heard. (Jude 1)
You are given peace. (John 14)
You are being changed into something beautiful. (2 Corinthians 3)
Your sins are completely forgiven, your guilt is wiped away, and good will come from your mistakes. (1 John 1)
You are never alone. (Hebrews 13)

Yes, life is hard. Especially if your primary relationship is hanging by a fragile thread, is dying or already dead … life is difficult. However, Jesus is on our side. Even one of those truths would be reason enough to celebrate and rest, but all of them combined (along with so many more) can hold us up even during the darkest stretches of life. So when the chaos rolls in and threatens to take you down, take your worried thoughts captive to Christ, hand each burden over to Him, then rehearse what is good and true about God.

And if Christ is not the leader of your life, you can begin that relationship at any moment. Simply pray this prayer:

Jesus, I need you. I believe you are God’s son and that you chose to die for me to pay for my sin. I believe you rose from the dead. Please forgive my sin. Please help me start fresh. Please come into my heart and lead my life from this moment on. Help me have faith, help me trust you and teach me how to love you and follow you. Amen.

If you just prayed this prayer, your life as a new creation has begun. Please tell someone about your decision (or tell me in the comments). And remember, though life will always be hard, all can always be well with your soul.

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. —Julian of Norwich