Surviving Chaos

One of the greatest privileges of being both a Dad and a “Big Guy” is the fact all my children have found me to be a comfortable pillow to rest on. No matter how upset they were, I was able to lull them to a point of security where they would find rest and peace. Now with four children, finding rest and peace never happened the same way. When I was handed Daniel for his nap times, I would simply hold him for a minute and he would be out. Patrick and Micah would require a firm grasp and a soothing song, but in the end rest and peace would overwhelm them.

Now with Charissa, I am learning to yet again change my approach. I have learned that she also desires the firm hand but is submissive to my authority. She knows that when she comes to Daddy, she is going to find rest and fights to allow it in her life. She searches for anything to distract her, whether that means clawing at my face, grasping my nose, or searching for her brothers or mother. Charissa has associated her time with me as a time to rest. But, like my influence over the boys, I am able to endure longer than she and provide a safe and secure environment for her to find rest and peace.

I often wonder if God approaches us in a similar manner. He knows we live in a burdensome world which consumes the best out of us and offers little in return. He is aware of our hurts and pains, our struggles and temptations, our desires and plans. He watches and waits for us to turn away from the distractions and focus on him. And when that happens, He holds us close, tight, and firm. He sings to us softly, reminding us of his unconditional love and promises for our lives. He never gives up. He never gives in. He is resolute, steady, and unchanging. And as we start to truly realize we are in the presence of God Almighty, we start to let go of ourselves and give into him. And when we do, we find rest and peace in our lives.

Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God”. In this crazy world, how often do we follow that advice from our heavenly Father? How often do we simply lay on his chest and intentionally Be Still? Are you missing rest in your life? Looking for a little peace among the chaos? Why not try to Be Still for once and discover that God is God. He is the Father who endures, holding us firmly, refusing to let go until we find ourselves at rest in Him.