Finding Joy In God Through Chaos

I walked into the kitchen to what seemed to me like a tornado wrecked room. Not that I did not know the mess was there but along with the rest of the messy rooms in our home, and the not so happy past few days we had, I just could not deal with a home that looked like chaos, too. In addition, we had just returned home from the hospital that morning with hubby. He was out playing soccer with some folks from church the previous evening and fractured a muscle in his knee. Thankfully, it was not his driving knee, but to be safe, I got the kids up early that following morning and we drove him to the hospital. We received fast service because we went so early. So that was a true blessing!

But when we returned home and I saw all that needed to be done to make our living space a home again, I panicked. I did not know where to start. I just could not decide with which room to begin. Every piece of grocery we owned was laid out on the kitchen counter from the previous day. I had decided that I should clean out the cupboards and make a dinner menu from what we already had instead of purchasing new grocery.

As the frustration built up with the chaos that was present both mentally and physically, a hubby who could not do much for himself and me, and two little kids who needed my attention, and the past few unhappy days, I just wanted to crawl into a space and hide. And then it hit me! “Maybe I should leave everything the way they are and go spend some time with God when the kiddos are napping”. God has a way of making things right and giving us clear directions where there seem to be no pathway. And so I did!

After prayer and seeking God’s direction to help me find a way to clean and deal with all the chaos that seemed overwhelming, I felt instant peace. Another way I found encouragement is through a song by Keith & Kristyn Getty. It is called, Still My Soul Be Still. By the way, I did not attempt to clean or do anything until the kids woke up from their naps. I laid in bed, prayed, and read for a little bit.

Later that day, I was able to write out my to do list and attack the work one at a time, starting with the kitchen. Even the kids cooperated that afternoon. Hubby laid on the couch and the kids played in the living room and in their room without wanting my attention. This really surprised me. Even the 18 month old did not seem to desire my undivided attention. She would come in the kitchen sporadically and play but did her own thing. Then for dinner, hubby requested fried chicken. I normally do not cook fried foods (I bake fry them in the oven). But I figured I would grant his request since the poor thing had a rough weekend. I made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and some green beans all without the kids needing me. Yummy!

Not only did God calm my heart and helped me with the cleaning, but He also helped me to rest in His will in all that was happening. I did not get all the cleaning done in one day. But I was able to see clearly and eventually, got things looking like a home again over the past few days. And all the other things did get better! Hubby still walks with crutches and has a banded up knee, but he is able to drive himself to work (no train for him with crutches on), and we are able to laugh and find joy in the midst of it all.

This just shows me that God is in control. And when we put Him first, He always comes through for us. Did I find Him through the chaos and through those not so happy moments? Yes. Not that He was not always there; I just did not take the time to realize His presence. Not only did God calm my heart but He also calmed my hubby and kids that day too. I can thank Him that at least I (we) have a home that gets messy; some people have no place to call their own (they live on the streets). I can thank Him that at least I have a true and living God who hears and answers my prayers and is there to help me carry on. What a blessing and what an AWESOME God I serve!

Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the JOY of the Lord is your strength”. (KJV Edition).

How have you experienced joy through God in your home this past week. I would love to hear and be encouraged by you!