The Peace That Comes in the Midst of Chaos

I am writing this blog post this morning surrounded by half-filled packing boxes, bubble wrap and parcel tape – I am moving to a new house in two weeks’ time. I know that it is universally acknowledged that buying a house is one of the most stressful things you can do in your lifetime, and they are not wrong! What a lot there is to think about and to organize! This is my first house, my first mortgage and it is exciting, it’s been such a long time in the making that it just doesn’t quite feel real yet, even though I am surrounded by packing boxes! But it also feels quite scary and uncertain, and when I feel like that, I do have a tendency to bury my head in the sand and hope it’ll all just work out! Definitely not the best way to handle moving to a new house!

Surrounded by the mess and confusion which is expected at a time like this, it can make you feel stressed and frustrated when you can’t find something which you realise you need but have already packed and you spend ages scouring through boxes to find that the one box you needed is at the bottom of the pile and the item you require is at the bottom of that particular box! Sound familiar? Or is this just me?

It’s amazing how in the midst of the chaos there is still that “still small voice” that reminds you that you are not alone in this, that when we are heavy burdened, we can turn to our father in heaven who will give us rest (Matthew 11 v 28-30). I am reminded to sit and be and to hand over the burden and to allow God to minister in the stress. Psalm 23 is such a calming scripture at times when I need to settle in and be reminded of his love and his promises – he is my shepherd.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Written by Naomi Ackland, Office Coordinator