I just finished Jordan Peterson's latest book "We Who Wrestle With God." I like how he reasons, and even though I am not ready to place him in the upper echelon of my spiritual teachers, he is a genuine, thoughtful soul. One premise of his book relates to the relationship between chaos and order, something many philosophers, scientists, and faith reflectors see as key for arriving at a satisfied mind. How do we align with incredible design and order while at the same time dealing with the often hurtful fruits of chaos?
If you are like me this can be a quagmire of sorting through the beautiful things in our lives as well as the nagging difficulties which emerge from within and without. Jesus was faced with this every day of His short time on earth. He wrestled with beauty and chaos, hope and disappointment, and as He was chosen by His Father to make "all things new," faced His designated purpose with resolve, joy, and much personal sacrificial pain.
Burnadette and I spent an entire Finding Hope podcast season sorting through some of the mysteries and realties of living in what often feels like a wasteland. Here is the first episode of a number of contemplations which you may find helpful in learning about and sorting through your own imperfect journey. Check it out here!
Take a moment and list the aspects of imperfection you have experienced in your life. √ Where you have been overtaken by fear. √ When you have felt hopeless. √ Your greatest triumphs. √ Your greatest disappointments.
Jesus is with us through all imperfection and chaos. Here are a few thoughts for you to use to reflect.
Hebrews 13:5
√ What about Jesus makes Him enough?
√ Check out Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5 for why we can count on Him!
Matthew 28:19,20
√ What authority is being spoken of here?
√ What does being "with" us entail?
John 8:51; 10:28
√ What is the staying power mentioned here?
√ How secure are those who are Jesus' friends?
Matthew 11:28-30
√ How does friendship impact our personal turbulence?
Revelation 21:5
√ What does this mean and in what way can I count on it?
You may also wish to consider Psalm 6/Backstroke In Tears.
Chaos and pain are a given. Sometimes self-inflicted and often brought about by circumstances or other times the choices of others. Diving deep into chaos and order and human turbulence can be good for the mind - and the heart!
Dave and Burnadette
More:
Diving Deeper into Imperfection's Roots
A Song of Comfort in Reality
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